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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

0hap.TZ.2i Copyright No... 

Shelf__._C_S3')$ ^ 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 










































































































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‘‘look at tbem, O t)ungar^! as tbcv come ti&ing Oown to tbee in 
all tbetr beauty.”— Page 219. 


THE 

Hungarian Exiles 


♦ 

-BY- / 

BENJAMIN COWELL. 

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY 

PORTER V. SKINNER* 



MILWAUKEE; 

THE YOUNG CHURCHMAN CO. 

LONDON: 

SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON & CO. 
1900. 


TWO COPIES RECEIVED. 

Library of Congress# 
Office of the 

DEG 1 1 ]m 


Beglster of Copyright* 


ft. 

C, 


49416 

COPYRIGHT BY 
THE YOUNG CHURCHMAN CO. 
1899 . 


SECOND COPY, 


0b4 
B -**- - V 9S 


« 


CONTENTS, 


CHAPTER. PAGE. 

I. A Hostage Claimed 9 

II. Ordulf’s Escape 20 

III. Flight to Poland 30 

IV. Life at Gnesen 42 

V. From Gay to Grave 51 

VI. The Exile’s Story 58 

VII. The Forest Journey 81 

VIII. Kief the Beautiful 107 

IX. Lost in the Forest 126 

X. The Fete at Warsaw 137 

XI. Revolt in Hungary 153 

XII. The Quarrel 164 

XIII. Christmas Festivities 175 

XIV. Reign of Terror in Hungaiy 186 

XV. Recall of the Exile 205 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 


“Look at them, O Hungary! as they come riding down 

to thee in all their beauty.” . . . Frontispiece 

“One of them was even up beside them, his eyes glaring 

and his red tongue hanging out.” 40 

“I sprang upon the rocky bridge and quickly sped along 

the dangerous causeway.” 75 

“Glared defiance at the inhuman monster, and, in ring- 
ing tones cried out, ‘Thou shalt not strike !’” . 112 

“Then he rose to his feet once more, and such a volume 
of sound as rolled out of that horn, blast after 
blast !” 133 

“O Father !— Ordulf ! — They are stealing Ordulf !” . . 146 

“Ladislaus rushed out upon the porch and in between 

them.” 173 








PREFACE 


This story is based upon characters and inci- 
dents in the eleventh century : Bela I., afterwards 
King of Hungary, and his two sons, Geyza and 
Ladislaus, being the central figures of the tale. 
The unselfish natures of the two brothers, and their 
devoted attachment to each other through all vicis- 
situdes, form one of the unique traditions of the 
mediaeval age. I have chosen the period of their 
father’s exile-life in Poland, where they were horn 
and reared, to fabricate a possible picture of their 
boyhood, surrounding them with influences most 
probable to account for the character history 
ascribes to them as Hungarian heroes. 

BENJAMIN COWELL. 

Peobia, Oct. 16, 1899. 










































5 












































































CHAPTER I. 

T HE winter of 1041 was very severe throughout 
all Europe, and travel was made easier, in 
one way, by the freezing of the rivers. Therefore 
Bernard II, Duke of Saxony — a province of the 
German Empire whose rulers at that time were 
unusually independent — thought it a good time to 
travel with his household ; and he decided to make 
a visit to his relatives in Poland, King Casimir 
and his Saxon mother, Ryxa. He also anticipated 
much pleasure in meeting that distinguished 
soldier, Bela, the exiled prince of Hungary, who 
had married Ryxa’s daughter, Gisela, and who, 
together with his wife and two sons, Geyza aged 
ten, and Ladislaus, seven, formed part of the royal 
family at Gnesen. 

These little princes were not the last to learn of 
the intended visit ; and as the Duke’s son, Ordulf, 


10 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


was to be one of the party, and was just the age of 
Ladislaus, they shared the excitement of their 
elders, and helped, or hindered, in the preparations 
for the entertainment of the expected guests. As 
the time drew near for their arrival, the nervous- 
ness of the old Saxon dame increased, and so did 
the questions of her grand children. 

“Will they come to-morrow, grandam V 9 
“Will they come the next day ? or the next ? — 
or next to that V 9 

“Even if thou knowest not, it would be kind in 
thee to say one way or the other. Now, grandam, 
say, please, do, what thinkest thou V 9 

“Child ! child ! can ye not give a body peace \ 
How can I tell the day? They will reach here 
when they come.” 

“What a foolish grandam! Why, of course 
they will.” Then followed questions in rapid 
succession from both boys at once. 

‘How old is Ordulf, grandam V 9 
“Is he as big as Geyza V 9 

“Can he leap twice his length and never fail V 9 
“May he sleep with me and Geyza V 9 
“May we show him our great grandsire’s 
sword in the north tower V 9 

“And our pet turtle in the court V 9 

“Come, come, ye chatter boxes! Do ye wish 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


11 


an answer ? Ye will not get it, an ye run that wild 
with questions. I can tell ye more about his own 
great grandsire than I can of him, though I doubt 
not he’ll be brave enough ; he has the blood. But, 
look you! is not that a storm a-brewing in the 
west ? I hope the Duke Bernard has made all pre- 
cautions ’gainst these piercing winds and snows we 
have been having;” and Ryxa rose nervously to 
seek her son, and ask him his opinion about send- 
ing out some force to meet her cousin, and his 
people. 

Casimir laughed at her fears ; but as the storm 
came on in fury, later, and the darkness grew 
extremely dense, he held a hurried consultation 
with Bela and others of the court. 

And soon great flaring torches were hurrying to 
and fro about the court-yard ; and for a little while 
there was a confused and struggling mass of men 
and dogs and horses, and a great shouting of direc- 
tions that, with the howling of the wind, made 
pandemonium itself. Our two lads, unnoticed in 
the flurry, found their way into the very center of 
the maelstrom. 

One moment there would be a shout. “Look out 
there, son! the black will crush thee with his 
heels !” and one of the boys would be seized by the 
arms and dragged away, to find himself running 


12 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


into and upsetting one of the torch-bearers; and 
then some jolly giant would swing the two of them 
upon a passing horse, and, running by their side, 
see that they met no harm till landed at the door. 

And so before long a train of sleds and horse- 
men passed slowly out against the storm, and into 
the darkness, and the lights went out. Everyone 
for comfort sought the great, wood fires in the hall ; 
and all gathered in groups about them, discussed 
the unusual bitterness of the winter, and the merits 
of the men and horses that had braved the storm 
this night. The boys listened to the talk with 
interest, and watched the sparks fly upwards as 
fresh logs were heaped upon the fires ; until grow- 
ing drowsy, they fell asleep, and were gently 
carried off to bed in the strong arms of the King’s 
retainers. 

Meanwhile in Saxony, many weeks before, 
Duke Bernard had been making ready for the long 
journey. The day preceding his intended start 
opened bright and clear ; and the streets of Goslar 
rang with the merry shouts of children in their 
play at building snow-castles. In the afternoon 
the fun grew boisterous; ranged as Franks and 
Saxons, they became eager in their mimic warfare ; 
and, in their assaults against each other’s castles, 
the air was filled with flying snow-balls. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


13 


Ordulf, small as lie was, took part with all his 
little might ; and one time, as sole custodian of the 
Saxon fortress, during a sortie of his comrades, 
defended it well against several stragglers of the 
enemy. Wild with excitement, his hair tossing 
about his rosy cheeks, pelting the other fellows, 
with his ammunition (icy balls) lying ready to his 
hand, upon the castle-walls, he failed to notice the 
presence of a priest who had for some moments 
been watching the animated little figure with inter- 
est and pleasure. One of the assaulting party, 
considerably larger than Ordulf, had climbed the 
wall, and was in the act of jumping into the castle, 
when the little garrison caught up one of his feet 
quickly, and, by bracing against the wall, tossed 
him backward to the ground outside. 

“Bravo ! bravo !” exclaimed the delighted 
spectator. 

It was then that Ordulf turned and saw him, 
and, bashfully dropping his eyes, began to poke 
holes in the snow with his fingers. The noise of 
battle grew fainter, as it rolled towards the farther 
castle; and the smiling priest, drawing nearer, 
said : 

“Well done, my little son; and what’s the 
name they give thee, little castellan ?” 

“Ordulf, sir.” 


14 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


“ And thy father’s name is ?” 

“Why, knowest thou not ?” spoke up one of the 
other boys, “he is the Duke’s son — the great Duke 
Bernard.” 

The priest’s eyes glittered strangely; but he 
drew Ordulf to his side, saying : 

“And thou shalt be a great Duke also some day, 
if it please the Emperor. — Tell me, child, would’ st 
thou not like to see the Emperor ?” 

“Yes, Father.” 

“To-morrow, if thou wilt come to the new 
Cathedral, we shall talk of it; for the Emperor 
has sent gracious invitation, to his court, for Duke 
Bernard and his son.” 

“But, E ather, to-morrow we expect to start for 
Poland.” 

“Start for Poland ? Ah ! ha ! And why for 
Poland?” And his brow grew clouded for a 
moment. 

“To visit King Casimir, and Geyza, and 
Ladislaus.” 

“And who goes with thee ?” 

“My father, mother and ” 

J ust then a deep voice broke in : 

“If the child tell not all the family affairs thou 
eeek’st to know, thou canst catechise the father.” 

The priest turned quickly with a nettled look, 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


15 


and discovered a tall man dressed simply, but with 
commanding presence, whose flashing eyes and 
scornful lips betokened his displeasure. 

Concealing his discomfiture in a low bow, the 
stranger said: 

“Have I the honor to behold the famous Duke 
of Saxony?” 

“My name is Bernard, and I govern Saxony,” 
was the curt reply. 

A queer smile lit up the priest’s face, as with 
dignity he straightened up and said : 

“And my name is Adalbert, provost of Halber- 
stadt Cathedral; and I come with greeting from 
his most Christain Majesty, the Emperor, Henry 
III, of Germany, to his true and loyal vassal, 
Bernard, Duke of Saxony. More have I to say, 
but not here.” 

Bernard’s face fell, and his tone altered, as he 
answered : 

“Thou art welcome; I will attend thee where 
thou wilt.” 

“Further converse would be better in the 
chapter-house: let us go thither.” 

“Ordulf, thou mayst stay behind.” 

“Hay, let the child go with us. Come, little 
one;” and, taking him by the hand, Adalbert 
talked pleasantly of the beauty of the city, and the 


16 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


strength of its defences, — so well placed on the 
steep hill-side, — as he led the way to the Cathedral 
of St. Simon and St. Jude. 

Bernard was silent or gave short answers, till 
they reached the chapter-house. Having gained 
entrance, and the attendants having been dis- 
missed, Bernard, turning abruptly upon Adalbert, 
demanded : 

“What brought thee here, sir Provost ?” 

“Hay, not so fiery, gracious Duke. I but 
brought a summons from His Majesty that at thy 
convenience, soon, thou should’ st attend the court 
at Ingleheim with the young Ordulf, that the child 
may learn to know his Emperor, and become 
acquainted with the customs of the court; for 
Henry would have the love of all thy house, — and, 
perchance, the boy may take the fancy of His 
Majesty, and receive a station at the court, which 
it will please him shortly to remove to this, his old 
home, Goslar. I pray thee, think well of this.” 

“But I am expected, and have prepared for a 
visit into Poland. Tell the Emperor I will attend 
him upon my return.” 

“Perchance the matter can be so arranged. 
Yes, the child can go with me unto the Emperor ; 
and thou may’st come later. Oh! ’t is a noble 
life thou wilt see, my child, at Ingleheim ; the fine 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


17 


horses of the Arab breed, great hounds, famous 
falcons, and gay company of brave knights and 
noble dames in silks and richest jewels. Thou 
shalt eat from golden dishes ; and handsome pages 
shall be thy playfellows; and such music shalt 
thou hear as thou hast never dreamed of. Wilt 
thou come, my boy ?” 

To the bright, winning tone of Adalbert, the 
father listened, pale and trembling. With joyous 
looks the boy turned to his father and said : 

“Thou wilt go with me, father, and my mother 
may come too ?” 

Bernard sadly shook his head. 

“Thy father will come to see thee often, ” said 
Adalbert. 

Ordulf, who had but half comprehended what 
was said up to this point, now began to be fright- 
ened ; and, backing to his father, said : 

“I do not wish to leave my father.” 

“Thou seest, Bernard, it were better to defer 
thy visit for the present. Let the Poles wait.” 

The red began to creep into the Duke’s face; 
but in a low voice he said : 

“Parting is as bitter one time as another,” — 
and then, quickly, “I will think on this to- 
morrow.” 

“As thou pleasest,” said Adalbert in the 


18 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


smoothest tones; “but. the lad had better stay with 
me till then. I have much that I would show and 
tell him.” 

The great frame of the Saxon shook with 
anger; and, catching up the terrified boy in his 
arms, he turned upon the crafty, cruel priest. 

“Doth the Emperor doubt my loyalty, who 
have been so loyal to his father, that he should 
claim so soon a hostage in my son ? Thou — thou 
smooth-tongued villain-priest! Thou must wait 
until the morrow for thine answer.” 

Paler grew the priest’s face, as he almost 
whispered : 

“Thou mayest prove thy loyalty to-morrow; 
but the child must stay.” 

“Must!” and Bernard, with a laugh, strode 
quickly to the door and passed out, Ordulf sobbing 
in his arms. He had not gone many steps, before 
a score of Bavarian soldiers stopped his way. 

“What would you ?” 

“We would have the child,” spoke up the 
leader. 

Bernard hesitated a moment, then said : 

“At whose command ?” 

“Our captain’s.” 

“And to whom wilt thou take the boy ?” 

“To the Provost Adalbert.” 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


19 


“Tell your captain that I, Bernard, Duke of 
Saxony, pledge my honor to deliver this child into 
the hands of Adalbert, and to his care, before the 
week’s end.” 


CHAPTER II. 


T HE good natured captain, coming up just then, 
seemed satisfied at this; and Bernard hast- 
ened down the darkening streets toward his castle, 
his heart heating furiQusly, and his brain in a 
whirl. As he turned the corner of a low building, 
he suddenly ran up against a stalwart fellow, who, 
recognizing him, gasped out : 

“Your Excellency, where hast thou been? 
The Lady Bertha is beside herself with anxious 
dread about her little son ; for rumor states that the 
minions of the Franconian Emperor are here in 
force, and that the crafty Adalbert was seen with 
thee and the child. But heaven be praised that 
thou art safely coming home !” 

“How many of the Emperor’s force, say they, 
are here V 9 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


21 


“An hundred horse are victualled at the Kais- 
erhaus ; so saith a little maid I know there.” 

“This is worse than I had thought; and my 
castle, thinkest thou it is watched V 9 

“I know not ; and yet methinks, — surely I saw 
a shadowy form vanish behind the east bastion, as 
I hurried forth.” 

“Good Gudrod, thou lovest this, my only 
child ?” 

“Indeed, my master, better than my life !” 

“See, poor baby, he has cried himself to sleep. 
Listen, Gudrod; thou knowest the private gate 
down this lane ? Take the child — gently — so. 
Here is the key. Stop not till thou reachest the 
hut by the spring. There is gold. The hunts- 
man, Werner, will furnish thee with sledge and 
horses that he keeps in charge for me; take the 
great boar-hound, Dag, with thee, and robes in 
plenty and bread and flesh. And, Gudrod, spare 
not time nor horses till thou hast reached Qued- 
linburg. Stay there and watch well the Brocken 
the next day; and should’st thou see a white flag 
waving from the watch-tower, wait, and I will 
come ; but should’st thou see the Saxon standard, or 
night come and no signal, speed thee without delay 
to Zerbst. There wait for Ludolph ,one day only, 
and then on to Gnesen. — To thy care, and to God’s 


22 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


mercy, O my darling!” and the stern warrior 
pressed the child’s hair with his lips. “Haste 
thee, Gudrod; I will guard here; shout an thou 
needest me ere the gate is passed.” 

Silently he stood there, with every nerve 
strained to catch the sound he dreaded. Having 
waited for some time, and hearing nothing, he so 
arranged his cloak as to convey the impression, in 
the dusk, that he still bore his child beneath it ; he 
speedily reached his castle gates and entered, not 
failing to notice from the corner of his eye a 
muffled figure in the shadow of the wall. 

He found his wife waiting in the hall, and in a 
few words disclosed to her the situation ; then, call- 
ing a hurried consultation of the household, pro- 
ceeded to lay out his plans before them. 

“Thou, Ludolph, take the white flag and the 
Saxon standard, and reach the Brocken tower to- 
night. Repeat the signal that thou seest displayed 
to-morrow from the southern turret of the castle; 
then fly at once, with swift horse, to Zerbst. There 
wait for Gudrod and the child ; and, taking trusty 
men and the best horses, make for Gnesen as 
swiftly, but as carefully, as thou canst. Tell Bela 
that into his hands and to his care I give my son, 
that I will follow as soon as I can safely leave. 
How, haste thee, Ludolph, and the saints attend 
thee.” So saying he dismissed this faithful vassal. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


23 


“How wilt thou make peace with the Provost, 
and how account to the captain of the guard for the 
promise thou hast given him ?” said Bertha. 

“Knowest thou not, my wife, that Bela’s name 
is but another form for Adalbert, and signifies 
‘most nobly bright’ ? It is a character that belongs 
truly to the Hungarian Prince, but surely not to 
this Provost.” 

“Will not the troops lay hands upon thee, and 
compel thee to attend the Emperor at once ?” 

“That goes not with Henry’s policy. He is a 
wise and gracious ruler, and while he would gladly 
gain a hostage from me, if by stratagem he could 
accomplish it, still he would not be the first to seek 
a quarrel with the fighting men of Saxony. He 
would not dare detain their Duke, for fear of civil 
war. If I know the ways of this great ruler, he 
will ever watch and seek to drain my power 
through the scheming hands of this would-be 
Delilah. Could I but get the child safely into 
Poland for the present, I would, with Heaven’s 
help, maintain my loyalty, and my power as well. 
How let’s to bed and rest ; for all my wits I’ll need 
to-morrow.” 

Meanwhile, Adalbert, disappointed that he had 
not been able to secure his hostage, sent out guards 
with strict orders that none should leave the castle 


24 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


without challenge and examination; and, should 
the child be with them, he was to be seized and 
brought at once to the Kaiserhaus. Ludolph was 
stopped, of course, but allowed to go his way. 

But there was little sleep for Lady Bertha, 
with such a cloud upon her house, and her baby 
out in the wild woods of the Hartz Mountains, 
where hears and wolves were plenty; and, Chris- 
tian though she was, her heart chilled as she re- 
membered all the tales of ghosts and goblins that 
roamed about there. 

When in the morning Bernard set out to see 
Adalbert, he made this arrangement with his wife : 
she was to send a page to the first turn in the road, 
where he could plainly see the door of the chapter- 
house. He was to watch carefully for Bernard’s 
coming out, and observe his motions closely. 
Should the page see him at any time extend his 
left arm in pointing, he was to hasten back toward 
the castle, waving his cap as signal, which she must 
have watchers to observe ; and then she was imme- 
diately to display the Saxon standard from the 
southern turret. 

On his arrival at the Cathedral, he found a 
formidable guard about the place. He was shown 
into the house, and did not wait long before 
Adalbert appeared. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


25 


“I scarce expected thee so soon. Will Your 
Excellency be seated?” and he gracefully waved 
his hand toward a low bench in the center of the 
room, covered with a costly, gold-embroidered, 
rich red velvet robe. Bernard sat down uneasily, 
suspicious of so brilliant a reception, and waited 
till the priest should speak again. 

“So early a call argues, I hope, that thou hast 
come to a favorable decision in the matter that so 
vexed thee yesterday.” 

“I have,” was the short reply. 

“Well?” (smiling pleasantly) “and thou wilt 
accompany the lad ?” 

“That depends upon the wisdom of thy 
actions.” 

“I do not understand.” 

“I will explain when thou hast answered 
certain questions.” 

“Say on ; I’ 11 do my best to answer them.” 

“If Ordulf goes with thee, doth the Emperor 
actually need and request my presence now ?” 

“I think I can safely say he doth not.” 

“Doth he desire my love and friendship ?” 

“Most certainly.” 

“Should I prefer to rear my child at home, 
and, consequently, fail to accept his gracious invi- 


26 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


tation, would he look upon such action as disloy- 
alty?” 

“It would displease him sorely; and his trust 
in thee might grow to be no greater than thy trust 
in me.” 

“In thee! Art thou the conscience of the 
Emperor? The child shall never go with thee to 
Ingleheim.” 

“What ? Ho, there ! Send me the captain of 
the guard.” They both kept silent till the man 
came in, when Adalbert addressed him: “Good 
Welf, did not His Excellency promise thee upon 
his honor that he would give the child, his son, into 
my keeping ?” 

“He did, your reverence.” 

“The child shall never go with me to Ingle- 
heim ? The child shall be placed in my hands and 
care ? — Ah, yes ! I see thy meaning. Thou 
would’st have me stay with thee. That is well, too. 
Yes, we will comrades, friends, and boon compan- 
ions be” ; and he laughed lightly ; but his eyes were 
searchlights upon Bernard’s countenance. 

“And dost thou think that I would give his soul 
into the keeping of so gay and worldly-wise a man 
as thou art ? I would see him dead first.” 

“Yet, thou hast promised so.” 

“I did not!” 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


27 


“Thou denjest it? What trickery is this? 
Speak, Welf; what said he to thee yesternight ?” 

“That he was Bernard, Duke of Saxony, and 
pledged his honor to give the child into the hands 
and to the care of Adalbert, before the week’s 
end.” 

“Then wilt thou break thy plighted honor, 
Bernard ?” 

“Never ! I will do as I have said, if God 
permit me.” 

“Thou wilt, thou wilt not, and again thou wilt ; 
what Brocken goblin hath possession of thee now ? 
Another promise thou hast made, an thou choose 
to keep it, — a promise to explain.” 

Bernard rose, and, turning to the soldier, said : 

“There is another Adalbert — better bearer of 
that sacred name than is this provost — to whom I 
promised that my child should go ; and I keep my 
promises.” 

“Quibbler!” almost hissed the priest “Welf, 
a word with thee !” and Adalbert drew the captain 
to one side, and gave him hurried orders; then, 
approaching Bernard, gravely said, “As thou art 
bent upon it, we will stay together; thou shalt be 
my guest, or I will be thine.” 

“’Tis well,” said Bernard. “Come with me 
and taste the hospitality that a Saxon Duke can 
offer.” 


28 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


“With pleasure.” 

So saying they went out together. Bernard, 
extending his left hand, said : 

“On yonder elevation, where the linden trees 
are tallest, is my home.” 

“Surely, ’tis a spot that well adorns the stately 
castle. Henry anticipates a large extension to the 
Kaiserhaus, in order that he may have his Court 
well cared for here ; for he strongly yearns to stay 
in Goslar long and often.” 

“The Saxons would appreciate such honor, I 
am sure, and I trust his kindly treatment of them 
will follow with his long residence among them.” 

Just then a horseman galloped up; and 
Adalbert, asking Bernard to wait a moment for 
him, held a close converse with the man for several 
minutes, then rejoined Bernard. Chancing to 
glance up where, in the distance, the rock-crowned 
but snow-covered Brocken lifted its imposing head 
into the clear blue sky, Adalbert made an exclama- 
tion of surprise : 

“What means yonder flag flying from the 
tower? ’Twas not there yesterday.” 

“It is fit that honor should be shown the 
Emperor’s ambassador.” 

“Humph ! Thou art rather inconsistent in the 
manner of doing honor to the ambassador ;” and an 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


29 


incredulous smile passed over his face as they 
went on. 

Though this forced hospitality put restraint 
upon all within the castle, still the wily priest, 
knowing well his powers, spared no exertion to 
make the time pass pleasantly. Handsome in 
person, bright, and learned in all the lore of his- 
tory, brilliant in his talk of the great world, and 
enthusiastic on the subject of the Emperor and his 
devotion to the Church, he soon won the admira- 
tion of his listeners ; and though Bernard still dis- 
trusted him, he could not help showing him cordial 
hospitality. A few days passed; and Adalbert, 
addressing the Lady Bertha, said : 

“I have not seen thy little son since the first 
day of my arrival. Is he unwell ?” 

“Nay, sir, he is not here.” 

“Not here?” and his face shadowed with evi- 
dent disappointment. He said nothing more upon 
the subject then; but, the following day there 
arrived a messenger from the Emperor ; and 
Adalbert suggested to the Duke that, as the 
Emperor had withdrawn his summons, would he 
not wish to make his visit into Poland ? He, 
Adalbert, would no longer trespass on his time, 
though he had enjoyed his entertainment greatly, 
and was loath to go. 


CHAPTER III. 

B ERHARD lost no time in making prepara- 
tions, though conscious that every movement 
of his household was closely watched; and, when 
the hour for starting came, Adalbert appeared 
with a force of two hundred mounted men, and 
declared his intention to escort them a portion of 
the way. It was clear to the Duke that Adalbert 
still hoped to seize the child, should he be waiting 
for his father on the way ; and he dreaded that he 
even might intend to go all the way with them to 
Poland. However, he put the best face he could 
upon the matter, and the entire party started forth 
through the ponderous gates, banners flying, and 
trumpets sounding from the massive battlements 
and in answer from the cavalcade ; the horses cur- 


The Hungarian Exiles, 


31 


vetting and prancing along the snowy road that 
glistened brilliantly in the sun. It was a pretty 
sight to see them from above, as they wound slowly 
down the steep hill-side, glimpses of their bright 
armor and shining lances caught, here and there, 
through the openings in the trees that lined the 
road ; and many a lad’s heart burned to be a soldier 
of the Empire, as he watched them disappear. 

They had not gone many leagues, when, com- 
ing to a frozen stream, they saw upon the other 
bank a large body of mounted soldiers, whom they 
recognized at once as Saxons; and in another 
moment their leader had crossed over and em- 
braced the Duke. It proved to be his brother, 
Thietmar. 

“What means this Bavarian guard, my broth- 
er?” were his first words, as he glanced suspi- 
ciously about. 

“They are the body-guard of this worthy 
priest, the friend of the Emperor, who has taken it 
upon himself to accompany us thus far ; but, 
brother,” (in a low voice) “I had rather thou went 
with us; for I fear some mischief. How earnest 
thou with this force so opportunely ?” 

“I met Ludolph, and learned enough to feel 
that Saxony must needs defend herself. I like 
not what they tell me of the Emperor. I would 


32 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


rather see a Saxon dynasty upon the throne once 
more.” 

“Hush, brother ! I fear the priest hath heard 
thee, for thy voice gained strength in anger. And, 
Thietmar, canst thou never learn that spoken dis- 
trust of a King, as of a friend, is base disloyalty, 
unless the sure evidence of guilt is in thy hand ?” 

Then Bernard, turning to the priest, said : 

“My brother and his company will be our 
escort further ; and, thanking thee for thy courtesy 
and pleasant company so far, I can spare thee 
further trouble.” 

Adalbert, laughing lightly, answered : 

“Ah, Bernard! thou hast outwitted me, in- 
deed; nor will I further burden one who, under 
such provocation, has shown himself a gracious 
host, a wise commander and a noble father. Yet I 
would leave thee with one last word;” and, in- 
stinctively assuming the dignity of a superior in- 
tellect, a pure and sincere light shining in his eyes, 
he said : “If thou lovest Saxony and wouldst see 
her children happy, humble thine own pride a 
little, hut preserve their loyalty to their Emperor. 
Kot even a Duke’s pride is worth the pricelessness 
of peace and firm government for his people. For 
thy kind hospitality, and in appreciation of thy 
ready wit, I promise thee no further trouble for 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


33 


the brave little castellan, while I have influence 
with the Emperor.” 

Then, bidding farewell to Bernard and his 
lady, he turned about, and, followed by his guard, 
soon vanished from their sight. 

So gracious was this action that the Duke could 
not but feel some shame for the discourteous lan- 
guage he had used toward the priest at first; nor 
could he ever feel that he had not suffered in his 
honor, by the quibble he had used with the Bavar- 
ian captain. So, sighing for the flaws in his char- 
acter, he made all haste to find his son in Poland. 

When Gudrod had gotten safely to the hunts- 
man’s hut with his precious burden, he, with 
Werner’s help, soon harnessed the horses to the 
sled, and with the great hound, Dag, was hurrying 
through the dark woods as fast as the steeds could 
gallop. ^Nothing opposed them; though, from 
time to time, the dark shadow of some wild animal 
would leap across the road in front of them and 
disappear in the dense brush, and more than once 
they heard a bear’s growl ; but long before daylight 
they were safely housed in Quedlinburg, with 
trusty vassals of the Duke. 

With the first faint grey of light, Gudrod was 
out upon the Miinsenberg, and looking for the peak 
of Brocken. Slowly out of the star-lit panorama 


34 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


of blurred black and white the landscape grows. 
The low eastern hills are crowned with streaks of 
faintly-colored clouds that almost vibrate in the 
coming glow, and change to fleecy rose, to amber 
and to gold. Out of the gloomy forest close at 
hand the tall pines spring erect to life, and in their 
dark, green armor, stand like sentinels to chal- 
lenge the advancing day. Here and there in the 
depths, the golden-brown birch-tree presents its 
shining face to view, as though ’twere curling out 
of sleep. Unnoticed and like magic, the isolated 
fir-trees on the hill-top have dropped long, endless 
shadows on the soft, white snow. A hush, — a 
gentle breathing of the air, that makes all nature 
bow in prayer, — and, in the east, a burst of glory ! 
The tall domes and battlements, here in Quedlin- 
burg and in far-off Halberstadt, are beautifully 
bright; and the sun’s rays burn upon the castle- 
w T alls of Regenstein and glisten on the wave-like 
forest-covering of the Hartz. A flash of light 
darts through the trees that have shadowed the 
great Rosstrappe, as it stands, a dark and gloomy 
giant, guarding the valley of the Bode ; and in an 
instant its grey-green, rugged, granite face is full 
of diamonds. 

Slowly and reluctantly the mist rises and rolls 
up the mountain heights, lifted by the myriad 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


35 


golden levers of the sun. Will it never reach the 
top ? Gudrod’s eager eyes are bent in anxious 
expectation. The mist grows thin in places ; and, 
for a moment, suspended in the air like a picture, 
he sees, or seems to see, the Blocksberg tower; — 
and then ? tis gone; when at a breath the misty 
veil is rent and vanishes ; and behold ! the Brocken, 
like a great white throne, towers up to heaven ! 

At intervals, for his eyes are blinded by the 
glare, he looks up to the watch-tower. At last he 
catches the fluttering signal. Is it white or not? 
A breeze stretches it out southeast to its full length, 
and he sees the Saxon banner that so many times 
has floated there in triumph. How, alas ! it means 
defeat. Almost sobbing at the thought, and terri- 
fied with the dread of some calamity to his noble 
lord, his limbs tremble so he can hardly descend the 
hill. Yet, knowing his duty, he hastens to per- 
form it. 

Another long and lonely ride brings them to 
Zerbst by nightfall, and there the two patient com- 
rades, man and hoy, wait through the long night 
and day, keeping up heart as well as they can, and 
longing for the arrival of Ludolph. 

“See, Gudrod, see! Yonder he comes! Ah, 
now we shall have news of father !” 

“Yes, and God grant ? tis good news.” 


36 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


Ludolph, as soon as he drew near, sprang from 
his panting horse and caught the boy up in his 
arms. 

“Bless thee, child ! but I am glad to see thee 
safe and well !” 

“Tell us of the Duke,” — “What of my fath- 
er ?” said the others in a breath. 

“That I can hardly say, and yet I know that 
none dare touch a hair of the noble Saxon, and 
hope to live. Oh! but his brother, Thietmar, 
burned with anger when I told him ! For I met 
him this noon coming from the Bodethal, with a 
deer across his back, and he swore that three days 
should not pass before he would enter the Breiten- 
thor of Goslar with an army at his back; and, if 
the provost had done harm to his brother, that he 
would bring him, bound to the Rosstrappe, and 
hurl him to the rocks below. I fear the passion of 
thine uncle will some day bring him into trouble; 
but thy father is a man who stands too far above 
his passions, and is too wise to bring upon himself 
any harm. But we must not tarry here ; we have a 
long and dangerous journey before us, and must 
make many careful preparations.” 

It was somewhat difficult, in the little village, 
to find men who could leave their families for the 
long trip to Gnesen ; but two were found at last ; 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


37 


and, having packed the sledges well with robes and 
provisions, axes, javelins and bows, the little party 
started out the next morning in gay spirits after 
all ; for there was much of interest in looking for- 
ward to the new scenes and people they would find 
in Poland ; and King Casimir had promised great 
doings at the Easter festival. They took the for- 
est trails from town to town, traveling by day ; and 
when night came and they were still out on the 
road, great fires were made at each end of their 
camping place, and trees were felled at the side, 
making a rude, temporary fortification, within 
which the horses were corralled and the sledges 
placed; while one or more of the men acted as 
sentinels, exchanging with each other through the 
night. 

After many days of such travel they arrived at 
Posen on the Warta. Here the two men, whom 
they had brought with them from Zerbst, desired 
to stay and rest; and Ludolph, being assured that 
he could reach Gnesen before another night, de- 
cided to go on without them. He was told to 
follow a small river, the Glowna, until he reached 
a lake, which was about six miles directly west of 
Guesen. A good start was made in the morning 
upon the frozen surface of the stream, Gudrod and 
his charge in one of the sledges, and Ludolph on 


38 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


his horse. Ordulf could scarce contain himself 
with excitement as they flew along upon the ice, 
for he longed to meet the little sons of Bela, about 
whom he had heard so much; and many a laugh 
and shout came from the delighted boy, as one or 
other of the party had to dodge low-hanging 
branches under which they swept unexpectedly, as 
they rounded short curves in the winding course of 
the stream. 

They had accomplished perhaps more than half 
the distance when the obstructions, such as drift- 
wood and fallen trees, over which they had to lift 
or push the sledge, became so numerous as to com- 
pel them finally to abandon the sledge altogether ; 
and, taking what, they could upon the horses, they 
made progress wherever it was easiest to go, first 
along the bed of the river, then on its banks. As 
the day grew longer, temptation came to make 
short cuts to avoid the winding course of the 
stream. This was dangerous, for the river was 
their only guide, and the forest growth was low 
and dense; added to this the clouds were gathering 
ominously heavy in the west, and a fine driving 
snow began to fall. Suddenly Ludolph stopped. 

“Gudrod, where is the river ?” 

“Is it not yonder V’ 

“I know not ; let us see.” 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


39 


They tried first one way, then another, but 
could find it nowhere. The driving snow and 
growing darkness soon made it impossible to see 
far, and the cold wind began to chill them. Per- 
plexed, they knew not where to turn. Then from 
the distance came a long, low sound that startled 
Gudrod and made him pale, and hug the boy, who 
sat in front of him, closer to his breast. 

“What is that sound, like music, Gudrod ?” 

Gudrod did not answer, but shouted to 
Ludolph, “Hear you that?” 

“Which way is it ?” said Ludolph, coming up ; 
and they bent their ears to listen. 

The wind roared through the tree-tops, and 
flapped their cloaks, and tossed the horses’ manes 
and tails about; yet clear came the swelling wolf- 
call. Quickly Gudrod’s head came up, and 
stretching one hand to the left behind him, he 
grasped the bridle with the other and shouted, “On 
for your life;” and digging his heels into his 
horse’s flanks, he urged him forward. Loud and 
louder grew the sound, and faster flew the horses 
in their terror, when suddenly the woods came to 
an end, and the frozen lake appeared, spread out 
before them. Down they dashed and out upon its 
snow-covered surface, inspired anew with hope, for 
now their lost feeling vanished. But soon anxious 


40 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


glances cast behind discovered scores- of black 
forms bounding over the white snow and gaining 
every moment. Ludolph shouted, “Keep courage 
and keep on;” then, dropping behind* halted, and, 
drawing his bow, let fly an arrow at the foremost, 
who fell rolling in the snow. The pack stopped, 
snarling and tusselling in a bunch together, for a 
few moments only, and then on again to chase the 
flying Ludolph. Again and again he stopped them 
the same way ; and then his arrows were all gone. 

Gudrod’ s horse, being. more heavily loaded, had 
not gained so very much by these delays, and soon 
Ludolph was up with him, and the howling pack 
were close behind. Indeed, one of them was even 
up beside them, his eyes glaring and his red tongue 
hanging out, kept off for a few possible moments 
longer by the savage growls of the great hound, 
Dag, who kept close beside the horse that Gudrod 
rode, when— what was that ? It sounded like a 
bugle-call. Ah ! surely, there it was again. On, 
Gudrod! with thy precious charge, so bravely 
quiet. Courage, noble Ludolph ! And, driven by 
the wind, the snow, the howling terror closing on 
them, they dashed breathless into the very midst 
of a sturdy band of hounds and horsemen. Then 
there was a struggle betwixt the fierce dogs and the 



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The Hungarian Exiles. 


41 


bewildered wolves, who had been too eager in the 
chase to take alarm. 

Ludolph, when he had gained his breath, 
begged to know who his timely deliverers were. 

“First, tell us who thou art and whom thou 
seekest,” said the leader, a tall, broad-shouldered 
giant of a man. 

“My name is Ludolph, and this, my comrade, 
Gudrod. We are henchmen of our lord, the Duke 
of Saxony, and we seek the King of Poland, and 
the Hungarian Bela.” 

“Ah! well met, indeed, for I am Bela, and 
anxiously have I awaited Bernard’s coming; and, 
fearing some evil from this storm, set out to meet 
him. But where are he and his ?” 

Here Gudrod stepped forward, having dis- 
mounted and holding Ordulf by the hand. 

“Gracious Prince, I would present to thee my 
charge, Bernard’s only son, as he commanded me.” 

Bela, reaching down, caught up the boy into 
his strong arms and said: 

“Right glad am I to see thee, child. But how 
is this ? What does it mean ?” 

It did not take long for Ludolph to tell all 
about their troubles in Goslar; and turning back 
toward Gnesen they discussed the matter on the 
way. 


CHAPTER IV. 


T HE wind had gone down and all was still, both 
within and without the palace walls at 
Gnesen, when Geyza’s mother, sleeping lightly, for 
she was restless with anxiety, fancied she heard a 
bugle-note far, far away. Springing from her 
couch beside the children, she groped her way to 
the small window in their room which opened to 
the west, and peered out into the darkness ; again 
she heard the note, and knew it for her husband’s. 
Quickly she found her mother, Ryxa, and soon the 
awakened warders had the hall fires ablaze. The 
call echoed and reechoed at the gates; and then, 
through the portals of the palace thronged the tired 
men, Bela carrying the sleeping Ordulf carefully 
before him in a huge black bear-skin. He laid 
him down before one of the fires, and his wife, lis- 


The Hungarian Exiles. 43 

“Thinkest thou that is Ordulf, brother ?” 
whispered Ladislaus. 

“It may be; but where is the noble Bernard, 
who, father said, was so tall ?” 

“There, there, Geyza ! with the bright-red 
girdle !” and he pointed to where Ludolph was 
standing, his drinking-horn raised high, in the act 
of doing honor to some toast. 

“Silly boy, he is no taller than the others ; nor 
would the Duke mix so with the common men.” 

“But seest thou not his long yellow hair ?” 

“Aye, that is common with the Saxons; he 
must be some vassal in attendance ; look how great 
the muscles of his arms are! And, Ladis, seest 
thou that other stranger with a leathern jerkin? 
Mark his rugged face and heavy eye-brows.” 

“What long arms he has !” 

“And how quiet he doth seem in all the merri- 
ment. Ladis, I do believe he is a Dane.” 

In their interest the boys had grown bolder, 
and as they leaned further out into the fire-light, 
looking for others of the expected company, Bela, 
glancing up, discovered them. 

“Ah ! you little rogues !” 

Startled by the voice, and fearing that they had 
been spying where they were not wanted, they 
turned and scampered. Their little bare feet 


44 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


tening to what he told her about the rescue, bent 
curiously over the child. 

How beautiful he was, as he lay there ! His 
clasped hands under his head; his golden hair 
spread out on the soft black fur; his little legs 
curled up beneath him; long brown lashes resting 
on his rosy cheeks; and lips parted in a smile, as 
some fairy dream delighted him ; and, over all, the 
flickering fire-light. Something — it may have 
been the noisy voices of the men as they laughed 
and feasted — waked him, and, as his eyes slowly 
opened, they met the rapt gaze of the gentle lady, 
and he murmured, “Mother.” 

Tears filled her eyes, as, springing forward, 
she caught him to her heart and kissed his brow, 
his hair, his cheeks. 

“Bless thee, bless thee! little darling;” while 
he sobbed, “I thought thou wast my mother.” 

“And I will be thy mother till she comes her- 
self, which, dear child, I hope will not he long, for 
I doubt not she doth yearn to see thee also.” 

While they were talking, two little half-clad 
figures had stolen down the stairway, and, huddled 
together, were crouching on the steps, and with 
wide-open eyes were gazing at the scene, uncertain 
whether it was their right to join the fire-side 
group or not. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


45 


scurrying up the steps, and their excited laughter 
drew everyone’s attention. Bela called after 
them several times : 

“Come hack! Come hither! Ye have naught 
to fear.” 

And soon Geyza appeared, sheepishly creeping 
down with Ladis close behind and clinging to him, 
peeping out, first one side, then the other, and his 
finger in his mouth. 

“Come and make acquaintance with your new 
playfellow. My ! but your fierce antics must have 
frightened him.” And Bela smiled pleasantly as 
he led them forward. 

“Here, Ordulf, are my little sons.” 

The children stood gazing curiously at each 
other, shy and speechless, till the mother came to 
their relief. 

“Come sit ye down by me.” 

And, as they nestled by her side, she succeeded 
in getting Ordulf to relate the story of his adven- 
tures. And so before long, like three brothers, 
they were snuggled all together on one couch, and 
fast asleep. 

The days came and went, and brought with 
them fun and frolic; brought the Duke Bernard 
and his wife; brought to Ordulf a little baby- 
sister, who, with great ceremony, was christened 


46 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


Gertrude at the Posen Cathedral ; brought melting 
snows and direful floods, causing loss of many 
cattle on the low pasture-lands, and serious distress 
among the poor peasants. 

“O, mother ! what do you think ?” said Geyza 
one day; “there is a man in the court who just 
came from Dantzic. He’s all ragged, and hungry 
as a hear; and he says that he only escaped with 
his life from the Pagans, who were going to kill 
him because he was a Christian.” 

“And, mother,” struck in Ladislaus, “he said 
he had not had anything to eat for three weeks.” 

“Bah! Ladis, thou meanst three days; a man 
could not live three weeks without eating; could 
he, mother?” 

“Our Saviour did,” said Ladis. 

“Yes, darling, but I doubt if a man could.” 

“Could not St. Adalbert? the one that father 
was named for ?” 

“Oh ! tell us about St. Adalbert, mother ; please 
do !” said Geyza. “Come, Ordulf !” and the chil- 
dren clustered around her. 

She began: 

“It was near this same Dantzic that the holy 
man died.” 

“Did he love the men who killed him, mother ?” 
Ladis whispered. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


47 


“Yes, dear, I think he did ; but he loved his 
Saviour so that he yearned to bring to that Saviour 
all he could, for he knew how precious to the 
blessed Jesus were these blind souls who knew 
Him not. Adalbert left all who loved and hon- 
ored him; all who so eagerly sought his counsel; 
and, defended only by his faith, with one or two 
attendants, tramped wearily, day after day, among 
a fierce and contemptuous people, endeavoring, 
with all his skill and patience, to explain the 
Saviour’s love to these poor ignorants. All list- 
ened, some believed, and some derided. Bravely 
he struggled on from place to place, poorly housed 
and fed, often brutally treated, he never hesitated 
to teach the truth. 

“Finally, with two faithful monks, he found 
his way to a place near Fischausen, and entering a 
beautiful grove of great oak trees, he and his com- 
panions, worn out, dropped asleep and dreamed of 
going home and being greeted by loving and ex- 
cited friends, when they were awakened by loud 
shouts; and savages glared at them; and rough 
hands pushed and shoved their poor, weak frames 
about. The two monks were forced beyond the 
limits of the grove, hut Adalbert, perceiving the 
strange dress of the men, and skilled in interpret- 
ing their gestures, must have known that this was 


48 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


some Pagan circle devoted to the worship of their 
gods, and that these savage creatures were very 
devil’s ministers. Indignant and full of resentful 
zeal and courage, he will not give place to the devil, 
hut fiercely struggles to assert his right to preach 
God’s message even there. 

“Grand old missionary! praying, to the last, 
that God will send him the gift of tongues (he did 
not know the language of these Prussians) to bring 
salvation to these people, whose spears are entering 
his body in seven places. And God answers him ; 
for, dying with the words, ‘ Jesus, receive me 
Thou,’ he preaches in that tongue which all peo- 
ples and all times can best understand, and falls, 
his arms stretched out, a dying hut an ever-living 
crucifix, a christening mark upon the land. 

“Terrified, the monks fled back and told the 
tale to your great-grandsire, Boleslaus. He sent 
ambassadors to that heathen land, and bargained 
to obtain the body of the missionary, finally agree- 
ing to pay its weight in gold. And behold, a 
miracle ! When it was placed in the scales, ’twas 
light as so many feathers, and took very little gold, 
indeed. This was the first of many, many mir- 
acles that the Saint’s body has performed. It lies 
now enshrined in Gnesen ; and, as you know, boys, 
pilgrims constantly seek purification by the sight 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


49 


and touch of it. Even Otto III. of Germany was 
here in that dreaded year, 1000. And but a year 
ago all Poland mourned because they thought the 
body had been taken from us by the Bohemians. 
And yet, another miracle ! The robbers were 
blinded in their search, and in error took some 
other body instead. But — best of all miracles — 
the spirit of the nation was strengthened and 
united, and brought us all together to this, our dear 
home once more.” 

She and her little audience for some time kept 
thoughtful silence, when Ladislaus reverently 
asked : 

“May we go and see the Saint, mother ?” 

“Yes, dear, I think you may ; we will ask your 
Uncle Casimir if we may not go to-morrow.” 

It was a beautiful and awe-inspiring ceremony 
to the lads — their visit to the shrine of St. Adal- 
bert. Laid out upon an elaborate stone tomb at 
the foot of the altar, was the embalmed body, 
dressed in the bishop’s robes, with mitred head and 
covered face, and hands, holding the crosier, 
crossed upon his breast; while rows of priests, 
kneeling at his head and feet, prayed and chanted ; 
the whole scene brilliant in the light of many 
candles. Pilgrims of all ages and conditions 
approached with bared feet, and knelt, and 


50 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


groaned, and prayed, and went their way again. 
Ordulf and Geyza hung hack somewhat, being 
overawed ; but Ladislaus, thinking of nothing save 
the purity and unselfishness of the living man, 
drew very near to him, and knelt there long. 

When they came out into the warm light of day 
Ordulf said: 

a Wast not afraid of that dead body ?” 

With wondering eyes Ladis answered: 

“No, I thought not of that at all.” 

“Of what was my child thinking?” said the 
fond mother to him in a whisper. 

. He drew closer to her, and in a bashful voice 
replied : 

“I thought that I would try — that I would try, 
dear mother, to be as pure and holy, if I could; 
and I prayed to God to help me.” 

These two walked on the rest of the way in 
silence, hand in hand, full of their own thoughts. 


CHAPTER V. 


T HOU shalt be the King, Geyza, and I will 
be the Archbishop; and what shall Ladis 

be?” 

“Oh, Pll be the people.” And they all laughed 
merrily. 

“What are the children up to now?” said 
Ordulf’s mother, coming in. 

“Why, mother, we are playing Coronation 
Day ; and wilt thou help us ? Please, do, mother. 
This dais is to be the throne, and we want some- 
thing fine to cover it ; may we not have thy purple 
robe ? I know where it is ; I’ll fetch it ; we will do 
no harm to it, dear mother ; say I may get it, please 
do.” And the little, excited boy hardly waited for 
her consent, ere he dashed away for it. 

Geyza’ s mother, coming in, lent her aid to the 


52 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


proper dressing for their play, making from 
leather a goodly crown, and gilding it. Geyza, 
handy with his tools, contrived a sceptre and Arch- 
bishop’s staff. Then, with much affectation of 
solemnity, after blowing of trumpets by Ladis and 
the lady mothers, Geyza advanced toward the 
throne, where Ordulf stood, and, kneeling, re- 
ceived the crown upon his head, and ointment, 
which Ordulf had confiscated from his mother’s 
chamber, — which much surprised her, as it was a 
costly luxury to pour out so freely, yet she spared 
reproof at this time, fearing to spoil the sport. 
Then Ladis blew the trumpet again and again, and 
shouted long and loud, taking his part of the peo- 
ple beautifully, so his mother said. Then sud- 
denly bethinking himself of what his father had 
once told him, he bared his arm and, seizing a 
knife, called out to the others, “Come! let us seal 
allegiance;” and, had it not been that his mother, 
springing to him, caught the knife, he, in his 
thoughtless enthusiasm, would have hurt himself, 
perhaps seriously. 

Ordulf, frightened and perplexed, cried out : 

“What doth he mean ?” 

And Ladis sobered down; and, blushing for 
shame that he had brought such trouble on their 
game, hid his face ; while Geyza said : 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


53 


“It was an old custom of our Hungarian an- 
cestors, when any chieftain was chosen Duke, that 
allegiance should he sealed by drinking each of the 
blood of all, obtained by cutting open the veins of 
their arms.” 

“Aye ! a barbarous custom !” 

It was Casimir who said this ; he had just come 
in, in time to hear what Geyza said — “a barbarous 
custom ! The Hungarians are barbarians ! sav- 
ages !” 

Little Geyza’s cheeks grew scarlet, and his eyes 
flashed. 

“It is not true, Uncle Casimir, and it is unkind 
in thee to speak thus of my father’s countrymen. 
Callest thou the great King Stephen barbarous, or 
my noble father?” The child could hardly keep 
from crying, so angry was he. 

“Peace, little nephew ! Thus far I am, in- 
deed, untrue, for your father is most certainly a 
noble, Christian knight and gentleman; neither 
was there any of the savage in the great King 
Stephen, and yet he left naught of his gentleness 
to his country when he died.” (He was speaking 
to the ladies now, rather than to Geyza.) “For, 
look you, what bloody feud exists now in his state ! 
Venetian pride and craft, like a whipped tiger, 
crouches low in Germany, waiting for a chance to 


54 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


spring ; while Aba, like a wild boar, snorts defiance 
at the Emperor; and, expelling the industrious 
Germans, invites war’s devastation from this pow- 
erful neighbor. All this has made, and will still 
make, sad history in Hungary. This is a legacy 
from the great King to his beloved country. Yes, 
he was great, and ruled the country well, and won 
high place for her among the nations ; so other men 
are great, forsooth, within a span that reaches no 
further than their own eyes can see, their own iron 
arms can stretch. Few, indeed, are they who 
build foundations that last for ages; giants, so 
strong that, what they place, their successors can- 
not move. Such a one was Charlemagne, and 
England’s Alfred was another.” 

“And dost thou think that Samuel Aha and the 
Venetian Peter are playing with the foundation- 
stones that King Stephen hath laid down ?” — It 
was the deep and quiet voice of Bela, who had 
entered in time to hear the last of Casimir’s 
speech. — “Hay, brother, they hut throw the dust 
about, upon the top ; he ye sure, on those same deep 
foundations will my great country live and thrive, 
offering to every earnest, energetic statesman a 
chance to lay his own peculiar stone securely.” 

Geyza had never before heard much of the 
political condition of Hungary. His father had 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


55 


thought it best to tell him only of the bright and 
happy times of his country, content to let him 
learn its sorrows, as he grew older. So this sober 
converse of his elders was truly a sad revelation to 
him, and he wandered off by himself, his little 
heart full of sorrow for that beautiful land that his 
father loved so dearly ; and he longed to do some- 
thing to help. The fun and frolic of the day 
seemed long ago, and as though some other hoy, 
and not himself, had taken part in it. Why could 
he not go to Hungary even now, and grow up with, 
and for, the people, his father’s own countrymen % 
Some day even he might be one of those earnest 
men who, his father said, might have a chance to 
build up Hungary. 

“Where hast thou been all this while?” and 
Ladislaus ran gayly up to Geyza ; then, noticing a 
peculiar look in his face, said anxiously, “Why art 
thou so sober, brother ; is aught amiss ?” 

“O Ladislaus ! Ladislaus ! I can but see the 
cruel wars in Hungary, the dead and dying people. 
I wish — Oh! I wish I could go to Hungary! I 
could help some, I am sure. I could fetch and 
carry; for I am large and strong for my age, so 
mother says. I could hind up wounds, for 
Grandam Kyxa has shown me how, often. Oh! 


56 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


I could do much to help. I shall ask father if I 
may go.” 

“And I shall go with thee, for I can help, too.” 

“Fye ! dear little brother, what could’st thou 
do ?” 

“Why, I could — I could pray, dear brother.” 

“Ah ! but mother could not spare us both ; and 
thou art too little; and thou could’st pray here as 
well. No, Ladis, thou canst not go.” 

Ladis tried to say more; hut his lips trembled 
and turned up ; his eyes filled with tears ; and, cry- 
ing and sobbing, he turned and ran into a corner 
of the porch where they had been talking. This 
was too much for Geyza; and he knelt down be- 
side him, put his arms about him, and told him 
not to mind, for he loved him and was sorry he had 
hurt his feelings. 

“Even if thou art a little boy now, thou wilt be 
a big boy soon. I was a little boy, too, not long 
ago ; and, Ladis, if thou would’st not have me leave 
thee, I might wait another year or so, till thou art 
larger grown ; then will we go together.” 

At this, Ladis brightened up ; and the two boys 
started off to find Ordulf, their arms twined about 
each other. 

All of this scene had been witnessed by Bela, 
who was below them in the garden at the time, al- 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


57 


though unnoticed by them. As he heard the brave, 
earnest words they uttered, his heart swelled with 
pride in them one moment, and the next sank, as 
he felt humbled to the dust. He! a great, strong 
man ! idling here in Poland, far from the country 
that he loved and that needed help so sorely; and 
these little children, babies almost, planning to go 
to its relief ! His breast heaved in the struggle of 
his emotions, and his temples throbbed. Like a 
caged lion he turned one way and then another, 
caught the stone gate-posts in his arms, and, like 
a Sampson, strained and bowed between them. 
Oh, that he could break the barriers down that 
barred him from his country ! 


CHAPTEK VI. 


T HE next day Geyza found his father in his 
chamber, alone; and being full of his new 
hopes and plans, at once started the subject. After 
telling what his thoughts had been and what his 
wishes were, he said : 

“Father, may I have thy permission to make 
Hungary my country some day before long V 9 He 
had climbed into his father’s lap; and Bela had 
listened attentively to what he said. 

“And would’st thou leave thy father and thy 
mother who so dearly love thee, to say nothing of 
thy little brother V 9 

“But Ladis would go with me; and ” a 

strange look, pleased and yet surprised, as though, 
for the first time, he had seen a thought that had 
been looking at him all his life — “why canst not 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


59 


thou go with us ? Hungary is thy country ; and no 
one is so powerful as thou.” 

His voice grew faint as he saw the agony in his 
father’s face, and, frightened, he would have fallen 
from his lap, but Bela caught his two hands in his 
own, and, holding him spell-bound with his deep, 
sad eyes, he said : 

“My brave son, canst thou bear to know the 
sorrow of thy father ? Listen. 

“My grand-father, Prince Michael, King 
Stephen’s eldest uncle, made his home upon the 
Sajo, which rises among the foot-hills of the Car- 
pathians, and is one of the streams that help to 
make the river Theiss. It was there my father, 
Ladislaus (it was for him I named thy brother), 
lived and reared his little family. Michael was a 
proud and powerful man; and when my elder 
brother, Andrew, and I were young boys, he told 
us many a tale of the might and prowess of his 
father, Duke Toxun. As his brother, Geyza (thy 
great uncle for whom thou wast named, and who 
was Duke of Hungary), died, leaving only one son, 
who had been christened Stephen, he ever felt the 
nearness of our branch to the throne, and imbued 
us boys with the dignity that would befit a station 
we might some day occupy. As my brother 
Andrew was the elder, I thought but little of such 


60 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


a chance for myself ; but be laid great store by it, 
and grew np witb tbe feeling tbat sucb must be bis 
fate; particularly, as King Stephen bad but one 
son, and be not strong. 

“Ten years ago — Ob ! what a long ten years ! — 
my father died ; my grand-f atber bad died some 
time before. Andrew, prouder than ever in bis 
position as bead of our bouse, by bis words and 
actions inspired bis followers witb tbe same feel- 
ing of bis near claim to tbe throne ; when an event, 
great in its far-reaebing results, took place. 

“Emeric, son of King Stephen, in whom tbat 
aged monarch bad placed all bis heart’s desires in 
this world, sickened and died. Tbe king, bereft 
and stupefied, seemed to lose all bold upon tbe 
world, its pleasures and even its duties. His wife, 
Gisela, witb tbe prestige of his great name, and 
with tbe help of those nearest to her — or, I should 
rather say, controlled by their scheming — piloted 
tbe affairs of state as best she could during tbe re- 
maining years of bis life. Andrew, acting under 
tbe advice of tbe wisest of our friends, sought tbe 
court as soon after Emeric’s death as be could witb 
propriety, and placed himself before tbe King, as 
one who would do all tbat be could to help him; 
and craved bis fatherly interest for himself, as tbe 
one who could be best named as bis successor. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


61 


“King Stephen received him kindly ; and, hav- 
ing called a Diet, he asked the wise counsellors to 
his bedside — for he was stricken low by his great 
sorrow — and presented Andrew to them, as the one 
of Arpad’s race who most deserved election as 
their king when he should die; and with solemn 
form declared it his wish and desire that Andrew 
should succeed him. 

“I had accompanied my brother to Stuhlweis- 
senburg; and I witnessed this event, and saw the 
triumphant look of pride he wore, and noticed also 
the dark scowl upon the features of one little man, 
whose sleek, black hair curled low upon his 
shoulders. He stood with legs spread wide apart 
and arms folded, a jaunty black velvet cap upon 
his head, and a rich cloak thrown carelessly upon 
one shoulder, and caught with a twisted golden 
chain of cunning pattern. His fingers played 
nervously, the while, with his jewelled sword-hilt; 
and when he left the chamber, he passed close by 
me; and his whispers to the ‘Queen, who walked 
beside him, hissed between his teeth. When after- 
wards I described him to my brother, he told me 
that he was the Venetian Peter, whose father was 
the Doge of Venice, and whose mother was sister 
to King Stephen ; and he muttered, H fear me he 
means mischief.’ 


62 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


“For many days we tarried in the royal city, 
making acquaintance with the people of the court. 
There we met men from all parts of the world — 
Venice, Rome, Spain, France, and Germany; but 
of all I met, the one who most attracted me had a 
sad history. His name was Edward, and his coun- 
try, England. Many years before, he with his 
brother, mere baby orphans, had been taken from 
their country. His father, Edmund, surnamed 
Ironsides, who was King of England, had been 
foully murdered; and the great Canute had sent 
them into Norway to be killed. Their custodians, 
less cruel than their master, let them escape to 
Hungary; and here the kind King Stephen had 
reared them as his own. 

“Edward was very, very sad ; for, though his 
life had been a peaceful one, the shadow of the 
great wrong done his father and himself and 
brother, who had died young, made the sense of 
exile very keen. His bearing was of gentle dig- 
nity; and I could not help loving and admiring 
him ; and I wondered how it would seem to be an 
exile. Oh ! little did I think then that I should 
know too soon the feeling. 

“Every day or two Andrew sought audience of 
the King; but after the dispersion of the Diet, 
save the first time, he never saw him; for there 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


63 


was always some pretext that stopped the way. 
Each time he marked that the manner of the 
Queen and her household grew colder towards him. 
Once, when he had waited long in the ante-cham- 
ber, she and Peter, coming out from the presence 
of the King, passed him by and not so much as 
looked at him. Peter shrugged his shoulders and 
said, so loud that every one could hear him : 

“ ‘Strange that these savages should wait so 
long and patiently for crumbs ! Me thinks their 
own forests would be more congenial P 

“The hot blood sprang to Andrew’s face ; and, 
clutching the little dark man by the arms, he de- 
tained him roughly, saying, ‘Methinks these slimy 
serpents of the sea may some day wish that they 
had never crawled so far from their native ele- 
ments ;’ and, ere the frightened man could gather 
courage to reply, my brother strode, indignant, 
from the room, calling me to follow. As I went 
out, glancing back, I saw a fearful and a troubled 
look in the Queen’s face; but the black eyes of 
Peter shone with an evil, vengeful glare. 

“The next day, came from the mountains of 
Transylvania, a noble, Vatha by name, offspring 
of that Duke Gyula who, while battling for the 
Pagan religion, was so signally defeated by King 
Stephen thirty years before. Vatha was a strange, 


64 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


fierce character, who passed most of his life in the 
woods. He had been a frequent visitor at our 
home and knew us well ; but I had heard my father 
often say warning] y, ‘Beware of Yatha, I fear he 
worships the idols of his fathers secretly.’ He 
had brought with him a rough band of followers, 
who were much gazed at in the town. 

“Late in the evening, searching for my 
brother, I found him talking earnestly with Yatha 
in the extensive gardens of our lodgings. As I 
came up to them, Andrew said, ‘I will consult my 
brother;’ and with a nervous, eager manner rose 
to meet me. 

“ ‘Bela, thou knowest how the Queen and her 
court receive me ? Also thou knowest the ambi- 
tion of Peter for the throne ? Much have I heard 
of his boastings that none other than himself will 
wear the crown when Stephen dies. Any moment 
the Queen and her counsellors may win a revoca- 
tion of his will as regards my succession, and some 
other, such as Peter, receive his sanction. Hay, 
I heard this very morning that summons had been 
issued for the assembly of the magnates of the 
realm ; and the upstart action of this Peter yester- 
day augurs some newer hopes on his part. Our 
wise friend, Yatha here, has heard as much him- 
self, and even now was urging certain actions. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


65 


Say on, Vatha, let my brother hear thy reasoning. 
I would rather that thy thoughts were fathered by 
thyself.’ 

“ ‘Thy great-grand sire, Toxun, the Conqueror, 
feared not to utter what his heart felt.’ 

“ ‘Yes, Yatha, but I know not yet that my 
heart beats in harmony with thy suggestions.’ 

“ ‘Thinkest thou ’twould beat in better tune 
with Peter’s lordly wishes? Aye, believe me! 
’twill not beat long, when he is King of Hungary ; 
unless that day find thee with an army at thy 
back.’ 

“ ‘Another once crowned King, and my army 
would be small indeed.’ 

“ ‘Then wait not ! The time is ripe ! The 
great nobles of the country have witnessed King 
Stephen’s declaration of thy fitness for the throne ; 
and he has solemnly stated that such was his de- 
sire. How lies he, mind enfeebled, pliant in the 
hands of foreign, popish powers. Why standest 
thou so faint-hearted, and seest thy beloved coun- 
try stolen from thee and sold ! bound ! enslaved ! 
to the proud pope-loving Emperor of Germany? 
For so it will be, if thou give the German-born 
Gisela and the Italian puppet many hours to work 
their schemes.’ 

“ ‘What would’st thou ?’ said Andrew ; and I 


66 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


felt his eyes bent anxiously on mine, while I 
listened breathlessly, fearing the wild counsel of 
this mountaineer. 

“Cautiously Vatha looked about him; and 
then, drawing nearer to us, said, ‘The King ! — he 
is no longer King ; he lies there careless and oblivi- 
ous of the needs of Hungary. His heart longs for 
the angel, Heath, to take him to his son. Surely 
’t were a blessing to the old, sorrowing man to 
grant him his heart’s desire.’ 

“My heart stopped beating; and I felt as cold 
as ice. Trembling, I clutched my brother and 
found utterance. ‘What means he ? This is 
treason ! O my brother, do not listen longer !’ 

“ ‘Hush, Bela !’ 

“Vatha continued : ‘Treason ? Is it treason to 
protect the faithful people of one’s country who 
have pledged their loyalty to the house of Arpad, 
and can expect protection from them only ? Is it 
treason for the acknowledged King-expectant to 
save Hungary from slavery to Venice, and from 
the iron heel of Germany, that has longed and 
waited years to crush this conquering nation? 
Listen not now to wise counsel, and later thou 
shalt have to listen to the moanings of thy country- 
men.’ 

“Feeling the wrong that lurked in his impas- 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


67 


sioned arguments, yet unable to find reasons to 
combat them, and terrified lest his eloquence 
should drown my sense of right and make me 
party to some guilty action, I clapped my hands 
upon my ears and fled. I had taken but a few 
steps, when I stumbled over the prostrate form of 
a man who was in hiding near. I recovered my- 
self and cried out ; but he had darted through the 
shrubbery and scaled the wall, before Andrew and 
Vatha reached me; not, however, so quickly but 
I had recognized the dark hair and slight figure 
of the Venetian Peter. When I told the others 
who I thought it was, Yatha burst forth, ‘The die 
is cast ! There is but one moment for success ! 
My men are close at hand, well mounted ; and the 
captain of the King’s guard is one with us. A 
kingdom for thyself and Hungary still free ; or 
captivity, exile, or dishonored death awaits ye 
both, and misery for thy country P 

“For an instant Andrew hesitated; and I 
found breath to whisper, ‘O Andrew! follow not 
the devil ; remember thy great namesake, St. 
Andrew ; follow only Christ P 

“A. shudder passed through him ; and he almost 
shouted, ‘Hay, Yatha ! I will be no regicide P 
“Yatha sprang like a tiger to the top of the 
garden wall, gave a shrill whistle; and his troop 


68 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


came galloping up. He turned fiercely to us, cry- 
ing out, ‘It is too late ! my own life is forfeit else ! 
When I have won thy kingdom for thee, thou wilt 
think differently. 7 The next moment he was gone. 

“My first thought was to save the King. My 
fleet Arab steed, a present to me from a Greek 
friend of my grand-father, was ready saddled at 
a gate not far away ; for I had planned an evening 
ride with Andrew. I lost not a moment in getting 
to him ; and, once on his back and out upon a pri- 
vate lane, a short cut to the palace, I put spurs and 
flew. I waited not to think what I should say; 
but when I reached the palace I sprang from my 
horse and up the steps ; there I found the English 
Edward ; and, strangely faint and out of breath, I 
could but say, ‘The King! the King! treason! 
watch well — let no one in ! and — change the 
traitor-captain of the guard P 

“I must have fainted then; for all was black, 
until I found myself in a strange room with iron 
bars across the narrow windows; and, groping to 
the doors, found them locked. All that night long 
I paced my little cell, sleepless and distracted. 
Had the King been murdered? Would the evi- 
dence of Peter criminate my brother and myself ? 
What would be our fate — death, captivity or exile ? 
Would the morrow never come ? In all this time 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


69 


of misery there was one comfort — my brother had 
not yielded to the devil ; and I had done my duty 
to my King. Kemember all thy life long, my little 
son — ‘Seek first, the honor of thy country, then its 
advantage ; and God will give thee glory.’ 

“At last, when the grey light began to enter at 
my window, I lost myself in sleep; and when I 
woke again, the English Edward stood bending 
over me. From him I learned that I had been just 
in time. He himself had secured the traitor-cap- 
tain’s post, and barred out the fierce moun- 
taineers; who, discomfited at the failure of their 
plans, had vanished ; all but one, who had forced 
his way past every barrier and gained the King’s 
chamber. But there he met what he had not ex- 
pected ; he met a grand, heroic King ; for Stephen, 
aroused by the tumult, had raised himself upon 
his couch; the red glare of the on-coming torches 
of the guard shone on him as he sat there, facing 
the assassin, with calm, majestic mien; his power- 
ful eyes fixed upon the man, with such kingly 
grandeur in their depths, that his arms fell power- 
less; and, kneeling at Stephen’s feet, he besought 
forgiveness. This the King granted, commanding 
the guard, who came crowding in, to let this man 
go free. And Vatha — for it was he — with head 
hung low in shame, passed out and disappeared. 


70 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


“ ’Twas then, when all danger was over — this 
had taken but a very little time — that Peter came 
running up the street, shouting wildly and 
strangely mixing matters in his fright, ‘Treason ! 
treason ! guard the traitors ! seize the palace ! 
Bela ! Andrew ! the King ! Holy Saints ! don’t let 
any of them get away!’ and, stumbling up the 
steps, caught his sword between his legs and fell 
prostrate, cursing and swearing at the soldiers who 
stood laughing at his mishap. Catching sight of 
me, where I lay insensible, he ordered his servants, 
who were now at hand, to take me to the room 
where Edward found me ; nor had the inhuman 
little creature even waited to see if I revived ; but, 
locking me in, hastened to the Queen, and placed 
the blackest construction on my brother’s actions 
and on mine, namely, that we had plotted the 
King’s death. 

“This much Edward told me; and I saw 
clearly that he believed in my loyalty ; and I freely 
told him all that had occurred in the garden. 
Through him — kind friend — I gained an audience 
with the King, who also believed me, and com- 
manded that I be set at liberty, which was done. 
Soon after, however, Edward came to say that the 
Queen and Peter, fearing for the results if 
Andrew or myself remained at liberty in 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


71 


Hungary, had gained permission to re-arrest us. 
The people also had been so wrought up by their 
horror of the attempted deed, and by Peter’s 
machinations, that to remain longer in Stuhlweis- 
senburg was unsafe. Hurriedly calling our fol- 
lowers together, Andrew and myself made prep- 
arations for immediate flight. Edward watched 
us sadly. The moment for parting came ; and, as 
we embraced each other, he said, ‘We are brothers 
in affliction ; I foresee your safety, only in volun- 
tary exile; will either of us ever reach the haven 
where we would be V 

“ ‘God only knows!’ I answered. ‘Farewell, 
dear Edward ;’ and, as our horses, feeling the 
spurs, dashed forward, I turned and waved my 
hand to the lone figure; and after me he called, 
‘When thy country needs thee, and will receive 
thee, I will send thee word.’ 

“For forty-eight hours we travelled, giving 
only such rest as our horses needed ; and, worn out, 
reached our home in the Sajo valley late at night. 
The next day was passed in resting; and just at 
sunset, came a flying horseman bearing tidings 
that a strong body of the King’s troopers were 
close at hand, bent upon our capture. Hastily 
gathering what treasures, food and clothing, could 
be carried easily upon horseback, and with a few 


72 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


hardy retainers, we stole out through the woods, 
and found our way to the great rocky caverns near 
us, hoping in their depths to elude pursuit. Early 
in the morning I climbed the heights above our 
place of refuge, and watched long to see what signs 
I could of the soldiers. 

“How beautiful the little valley looked that 
day ! Here and there I caught the silvery glimmer 
of the river through the dense foliage of the trees ; 
and bright shone the walls of our dear home in the 
sunlight. Great, white, billowy clouds floated 
majestically in the deep blue above, making dark, 
green lakes of shadows slowly drifting far below. 
All was so still and peaceful, that I forgot that 
any evil could exist in such a paradise.” 

Here Bela paused a moment ; and Geyza mur- 
mured : 

“Eather, I wish that I might some time see it, 
just as thou didst.” 

“God grant thou mayest, my child. But no, 
thou could’st not see it, just as I did; for one 
thing — the one thing that gave the greatest charm 
— would not be there for thee. There was my boy- 
hood’s home, the warm palpitating heart of the 
whole scene. And oh! the cruelty of that day! 
For, even as my eyes caressed it, I grew faint with 
fear; for was it smoke that curled in momentary 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


73 


whiffs from underneath the eaves, first in one 
place, and then in many others? Like Prome- 
theus, I was chained by terror to the rock whereon 
I stood, and felt the vultures at my vitals, as I 
watched the destruction I was powerless to pre- 
vent. The smoke grew black and blacker, tower- 
ing upward a demon blotch upon the beauty of the 
scene. Then came the darting tongues of flame. 
One flashed out and drew back from the window 
where so many nights I had sat and watched the 
stars. I grew sick and dizzy; a mist rose up be- 
fore my eyes; I thought I heard the roar and 
crackling of the raging fire; then a low whisper- 
ing, a loud crash; and, when I looked again, the 
tall, stately walls and turrets that shone so proudly 
in the sunlight such a little while before, were now 
only rubbish. The* lovely home, the joy, the pride, 
the hopes, of the princes of the house of Arpad 
were all ashes !” 

The recollection of this scene so overcame the 
strong man, that it was some time before he could 
go on. After Geyza had loved and petted him, and 
asked him not to mind, and so soothed him with 
endearments, he proceeded. 

“How I got back to our party in the cavern I 
never knew, so terrible was my suffering. When 
I had told in broken sentences what I had seen, 


74 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


Andrew’s face grew livid ; he stormed up and down 
the hollow chamber where we were, and vowed 
deadly vengeance on the heartless cowards; but 
only the mocking walls re-echoed to his tirade. 
When his anger had somewhat cooled, we held a 
consultation, in the midst of which we were inter- 
rupted by the entrance of a hoy whose scared face 
filled us with alarm. He brought intelligence that, 
by the use of gold, one of our people had been in- 
duced to guide the soldiers in their search for us. 

“At first we argued that to form an ambuscade 
in some advantageous portion of the cavern and 
fight was the best course ; but more peaceful coun- 
sel prevailed, at length ; and, further flight to the 
north being decided upon, we set out at once. As 
some time would be wasted by the soldiers in the 
exploration of these caverns, we picked our way 
forward very leisurely, so as not to tire our horses 
or ourselves too much. 

“Unfortunately, that evening we lighted our 
campfire too soon, and in too exposed a spot; for 
some sharp-eyed member of the pursuing party 
chanced to see the smoke, and a portion of the band 
was sent forward to investigate it. It was one of 
our dogs who gave the alarm that night; and we 
had barely time to mount our horses, before the 
enemy were upon us. In the hurried flight, and 



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The Hungarian Exiles. 


75 


owing to the darkness, we became separated. It 
was near- dawn, when in the growing light I dis- 
covered that I was alone, and pursued by three or 
four horsemen ; and also that I was ascending the 
valley of the Aj. 

“It was so rough here, that the horses could 
barely pick their way along; and I noticed that 
my pursuers had dismounted and were gaining 
ground afoot. My only hope was to do the same. 
I was a good climber, and well used to mountain 
life. As I scaled the hill on one side of the nar- 
rowing valley, I discovered, to my joy, that I 
neared the Devil’s Bridge; a natural bridge of 
rock that spans a deep gorge in this valley, and has 
such a narrow foot-hold, that it takes the clearest 
head to venture across. 

“Having gained the approach, I sank as if ex- 
hausted, and thus induced all my pursuers to re- 
newed efforts in climbing this side of the gorge, 
certain of my capture. But, when they had nearly 
reached me, I sprang upon the rocky bridge and 
quickly sped along the dangerous causeway. I did 
not look down, but could hear the rumbling of the 
water on the rocks in the deep abyss far, far below. 
Danger lurked upon all sides but one; and that 
was free. 

“When I reached the other side, I turned and 


76 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


saw, as I expected, that my pursuers had not had 
the courage to follow. But they had the grace to 
wave their swords and shout in admiration of my 
skill and daring. I returned their salute good- 
naturedly; and, plunging into the forest, felt rea- 
sonably secure from immediate pursuit. 

“With this part of the country I was very 
familiar ; and, remembering a cave that I had once 
discovered, near the Tatra Mountains, and sure 
that no other human being had ever seen it, so 
secluded was it and so difficult of access, I resolved 
to seek rest and safety there; so, directing my 
course to the north, before noon I reached the Her- 
nad river. Here I rested a few moments in a 
grove of beech-trees, and satisfied my hunger with 
such beech-mast as I could find, and then pushed 
on up the valley. 

“There was a huntsman who had once saved 
my life, and whose hut I now remembered was 
near Kesmark. Thither I found my way late that 
night, confident that I could trust his faithfulness. 
Gladly he welcomed me, gave me food and rest 
and comfort, and listened to my sad story. His 
name was Almos; and no friend or father could 
have been kinder to me than he was. He stood 
watch while I slept that night, and the next day 
carried all the simple luxuries of his home up to 


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77 


my secret cavern. There he made me as comfort- 
able as possible ; brought me fish and game ; cooked 
savory messes for me ; and through many -hours 
drove sadness from me, with his strange tales of 
hunting and adventure. And, what was harder 
still for him, he journeyed to the towns and cities 
to gain information for me concerning the welfare 
of my brother, and to find what danger might still 
exist in Hungary for either of us.” 

“Oh ! what a kind, dear man !” said Geyza, “I 
could hug him. Almos — that is a noble name.” 

“Aye ! your great Hungarian ancestor, the 
first of our race that saw this country, was named 
Almos.” 

“Yes, but I love the Almos best who loved my 
father. It shall ever he a dear and honored name 
to me. Had he kind eyes, father ? — but he must 
have had.” 

“Yes, very bright, beautiful and deep, like one 
who looks long and lovingly at nature where the 
trees are very green, and the water deep and clear, 
and the skies so blue, as they are among the Tatra 
Mountains.” 

“If ever I grow up, and am married, and have 
a boy whose eyes are beautiful, I shall name him 
Almos, in honor of thy kind friend, father.” 


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Bela smiled gently and proceeded with his 
story. 

“He learned that Andrew had escaped and fled 
to Russia, there to take refuge under the protec- 
tion of Jaroslav, the Great and Wise, a friend of 
our grand-father, Michael. King Stephen had de- 
clared before the Diet he had called that Andrew 
and myself were outlawed forever for conspiracy 
against his life, and that his desire now was that 
his nephew, Peter, should succeed him. Almost 
all the people believed in our guilt and held us in 
abhorrence, so great was their love and reverence 
for Stephen. 

“There seemed no prospect that I could safely 
live in Hungary. Almos also informed me that 
there was a party of Polish noblemen, just then 
hunting in the Tatra, with whom he had had con- 
versation, and who had shown much sympathy for 
both Andrew and myself, particularly after they 
had learned from him the best side of our story; 
and he advised me to meet them ; and, on their re- 
turn, I might accompany them; and that Poland 
was a safe asylum and nearer Hungary than Rus- 
sia, offering better opportunity to keep watch upon 
my chances for return. 

“I followed his advice, and readily made 
friends with the Poles. I was sorry to leave 


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79 


Almos, and my secret cave, that had been so good 
a home to me. Almos said he would ever hold it 
sacred for me, and named it ‘Bela’s cave.’ More- 
over, he promised to keep it secret and supplied 
with arms and food, while he lived, that it might 
be a safe and ready refuge whenever I might 
need it. 

“So I came hither to seek my fortune. Here 
I won thy mother for my wife. Years have flown 
by; many times have I tested my chances for re- 
turn ; hut ever my good friends, Almos and Ed- 
ward, have said, ‘Hay, the time is not yet. Wait 
till thy country calls thee.’ And I have waited! 
waited ! waited ! like the patriarch, Moses, on the 
borders of the promised land. And, like Moses, 
it may be my lot to die in exile. But, surely, my 
children may be permitted to enter my Canaan ! 

“When Ladislaus was a baby born, and thou 
a little child, thy mother was vouchsafed a vision 
that I have ever hoped would some day come true. 
She saw ye both in turn wearing King Stephen’s 
crown. At that time I vowed that my two sons 
should live for the love and glory of my country. 
Art thou willing, Geyza, when the proper time 
shall come, to give all that is best in thee to 
Hungary ?” 

“Yes, father, yes !” 


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“Thy strength, thy life, and even thy ambition 
for a crown, if ’tis better for thy country thou wear 
it not ?’ 

“Oh yes ! dear father, gladly, any sacrifice that 
may bring peace and happiness and honor to the 
land thou lovest !” 

“Then, my child, kneel with me;” and Bela, 
with his little son beside him, prayed once more 
that God in His infinite mercy would grant them 
service in the cause of Hungary. 


CHAPTER VII. 


A EEW days after the telling of Bela’s story 
there was great commotion in the palace at 
Gnesen. Fugitives from the borders of the Vis- 
tula came hearing tidings of distress. The 
Pagans, under Duke Moislaw, had sallied out from 
their stronghold, Warsaw, ravaged the adjacent 
pasture-lands and driven off much cattle, taking 
many prisoners also. A hasty council was called 
by Casimir, and discussion held as to what to do. 
At the present time the war force was rather 
small; and, while it was possible to conquer War- 
saw, unless a larger garrison were left there than 
he could spare permanently, the enemy could re- 
cruit in their forest retreats, return in force, oc- 


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cupy the place once more, and continue their dep- 
redations as before. 

Bela suggested asking Bussia to unite with 
them in exterminating the Pagans of Masovia ; for 
the Russians should be as much interested as the 
Poles, their country being exposed to like inroads 
from the eastern borders of Masovia. 

“Why not send an embassy to Jaroslav, and 
broach this subject at once?” said Bela; “and, 
brother Casimir, thou hast often spoken of the 
wondrous beauty of the Grand Duke’s sister, 
Maria ; and the time has certainly come that thou 
shouldest think seriously of taking to thyself a 
wife. Who more suitable than she? Couldest 
thou do better for thy country, than secure the 
interest of so renowned a brother-in-law as 
Jaroslav ?” 

“ ’Tis well said, Bela, ’tis well said ; and it 
likes me much, thy proposition. She is a fair and 
stately maiden, so they say. Dost thou think, 
Bela, thou could’st take this most delicate mission 
upon thyself, to carry my love and reverence to the 
Grand Duke, and beg his gracious acceptance of 
certain presents I will send him, and state I crave 
his sister for my bride ? Put well before him the 
great benefit, to each other and to the cause of 
Christianity, that such union of our interest and 


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83 


affections would entail. And, should he listen and 
approve, ask that at once the action shall be taken. 
Let him but send a large armed force as escort to 
the lady, with orders that they cooperate with me 
in this campaign in Masovia, and all will he well.” 

“I will gladly undertake the mission,” replied 
Bela. “I need take but a few men with me, 
enough to preserve the dignity of the embassy.” 

“While thou art gone I will invest the town of 
Warsaw, and await the coming of my bride and 
her escort. The wedding can be celebrated there 
with fit games and festivities ; and then our united 
armies can undertake the complete subjugation of 
the Pagans.” 

Bela’s wife was loath to hear that he would be 
parted from her for so long; for such a journey 
was a slow and laborious undertaking at that time. 
But she knew that it was for the best of reasons ; 
she looked forward with great pleasure to the ad- 
vent of so interesting a new sister; and then she 
sympathized with her husband in his evident 
pleasure in the meeting with his brother, whom he 
had not seen for ten years. So much said about 
the wonders of the city of Kief, as well as the 
natural fascination of such a journey, made Geyza 
anxious to go, too. And Bela, glad to give some 


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schooling in woodcraft to his son, as well as for the 
company he would be to him, consented. 

The two younger lads looked on with good- 
natured envy and excitement, while preparations 
were being made. They made Geyza promise to 
bring hack to them all kinds of things from Rus- 
sia, if he could get them, from Greek coins to mon- 
keys. His mother gave him a new bright-red tunic 
w 7 ith a Greek cross embroidered in cloth of gold 
upon the breast ; and the Duke Bernard presented 
him with a fine cross-bow of yew, and a quiver full 
of arrows tipped with the best of shining steel 
barbs, and feathered with colored feathers. 

When he had put on his finery and had buckled 
on his leathern girdle, its pouches filled with a 
fancy-hilted hunting knife and light hatchet, the 
other boys danced about him with great glee; 
affected fright and terror at his war-like appear- 
ance ; and, shrinking, hid behind the pillars of the 
palace porches, or sought protection among the 
folds of their mother’s gowns, laughing and 
giggling and getting in everybody’s way, as all 
boys do. 

But the moment for good-byes came at last, 
and they were all sober enough then ; for it meant 
months of separation and no tidings of each 
other’s welfare. In the vast plains and forests 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


85 


grew no telegraph-poles then; and the iron rails 
that tie the cities to one another now were sleep- 
ing in the mountains, their secret hiding places 
well guarded by the Dwarfs and Trolls, who, 
rather than give up their kingdom, were paying 
tribute in the smallest dribs to the genius of man- 
kind. They laughed then, as they saw the people 
playing with their swords and lances, shields and 
helmets; looked on with grim composure at the 
scythes and hinges, bolts and bars, and pots and 
kettles. But hidden better than their mountain 
treasures were the human germs that blossomed 
out a Watts, a Franklin, and a Fulton. 

It was a bright, glorious morning when our 
little party started out ; and all strove to keep their 
spirits up by the blowing of hunting-horns and 
trumpets, and much waving of the pennons on 
their lances, cheery promises to keep heart, take 
care of Geyza — this indeed he thought rather un- 
necessary, he felt so large and aged now — and to 
come home safely. And so — and so, the loving 
looks from parting eyes drew out like spun-glass, 
till the long, thin, tenacious, gossamer thread was 
severed, and only memory held one end, the other 
drifting aimlessly. 

With but little incident upon the way, they 
reached Cracow. A short halt was taken there ; 


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The Hungarian Exiles. 


boats were procured, and then they started down 
the Vistula. Every night they made the shore, 
and pitched their camp. Geyza took these oppor- 
tunities to wander about among the great oaks and 
beeches ; and what fun it was, early in the morn- 
ing, to work up the long, hanging grape-vines, till 
he reached the closer growth of branches of some 
beautiful linden ; and then to climb from branch 
to branch along the towering trunk, till almost the 
very top was reached ; and then among the singing 
birds to sway about in the breeze with that delight- 
ful motion which nothing else can give; and gaz- 
ing out upon the world of tree-tops, the glossy 
leaves brightening in the sunshine, to see, far off, 
like faint, translucent clouds, the blue-gray moun- 
tains that his father told him formed the border- 
land of Hungary. 

And then to look down between the branches, 
and see the men below, like queer, colored spiders ; 
and to call to them and see their wondering, up- 
turned faces, hunting vainly in the mass of foliage 
to discover him, their voices, the clatter of the pots 
and pans and the whinnyings of the horses telling 
of some strange world below ; and then the crack- 
ling fire, the blue smoke curling up far above the 
trees, a faint smell of boiled carrots and roasted 
venison, and an inclination, quickly followed, to 


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87 


drop from branch to branch and, sliding down the 
vine, to draw up with the hungry crowd to break- 
fast. 

One morning he waked before daylight; for 
Bela had promised to give him a lesson 'in deer- 
stalking. They each wore soft leather sandals, and 
followed up a small stream to find the deer-lick, 
which certain native hunters they had met had 
told them of. The day had so far advanced, that 
they could distinguish objects near at hand. The 
breeze was very light ; and, as it was necessary to 
know its direction, Bela asked: 

“Which way doth it blow, my son V 9 

Geyza tried to make it out, but could not. 

“Wet thy finger, child, and hold it up. Now, 
on which side doth it feel the coolest V ’ 

“Methinks this side.” 

“Then from that side comes the breeze.” 

“But now, father, I am not sure; there seems 
not a breath stirring.” 

“Canst thou cut the top-most leaves above 
thee?” 

“I can try;” and Geyza, already a practised 
bowman for his age, let fly an arrow at the mark 
suggested ; and so proud was he to have cut a twig 
at the first trial, that he noticed not which way the 
leaves were wafted as they fell. Bela commended 


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his good shot, hut laughed at his lack of observa- 
tion. They immediately crossed to the leeward of 
the stream, and had not gone far, when Bela said : 

“Yonder is the place,” 

His practised eye had detected a little in ad- 
vance of them the trampled nature of the sloping 
approach to the water. He whispered Geyza to 
follow him, and make no noise. Cautiously he 
crept into a hollow place behind some brush, and 
within bow-shot of the farther bank ; and, crouch- 
ing low, he half buried Geyza and himself in the 
dried leaves, and waited patiently. The little lad 
grew weary and disheartened; for it seemed hours 
to him that they had waited and naught came. 
Afraid to move or speak, he finally got drowsy; 
and for a moment he had lost himself, when a 
gentle nudging from his father woke him. 

Alert at once, he looked and saw a beautiful, 
great stag standing on the opposite bank, his proud 
head with its glorious antlers held high in air, and 
his soft nostrils quivering as he stood irresolute, 
half scenting danger, one foot lifted. So beauti- 
ful he looked, that Geyza thought of naught else 
but to look at him. And Bela, in sympathy with 
his child, did nothing yet. Slowly, step by step, 
the dainty monarch drew nearer, trying to pierce 
their ambush with his eyes ; then getting the better 


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89 


of his fears, he waded knee-deep into the cool, 
clear water; and, stretching down his long, soft- 
coated neck, he moved his nose gently to and fro, 
and gulped down draught after draught. Sud- 
denly his head was lifted quickly; the water fell 
in crystal drops from the shaggy covering of his 
throat ; his eyes dilated ; his haunches sank and his 
forelegs were lifted for a spring, when — “Whirr !” 
an arrow from Bela’s bow sank in the uplifted 
breast. 

It hindered not the spring; but it was the last 
he ever made; he fell senseless, partly in the 
water, and partly on the green-sward of the bank. 
Wild with excitement, Geyza sprang forward with 
his father ; and, while the latter let the warm blood 
from the dying animal’s throat, he smoothed the 
soft skin; and then, before he knew it, he was 
crying. 

“Father,” he said, “I am afraid I shall make a 
very poor hunter, for I do not like the killing part. 
I should like to be able to shoot them, and then 
have them come to life again, and run off.” 

“Hay, boy, that would be a needless shock and 
pain to them, and no use but for sport to thyself. 
That would be cruel. How, this fine buck is past 
all pain ; and, look you, how plump and fat he is ; 
he will support the lives of our little party for 


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some days ; and thus help us on our mission, which 
is one that I hope will bring peace before long to 
our good Polish peasants.” 

Geyza blushed, as he perceived how thought- 
less had been his good-natured feelings. He 
helped his father to bear the deer into camp, and 
was just as proud of it as though it had been his 
arrow that had done the work. 

There were many characters of interest in 
their band. One was named Thorny; he was a 
Norwegian by birth and very fat, had fiery red 
hair and was joked much upon these peculiarities 
by the others, especially by one young, slight fel- 
low whom they called Glinski. Thorny told many 
a thrilling tale of adventure on the seas; he had 
been a great traveller, having seen the Orkneys 
often, so he said, and once even reached a far-off, 
mysterious island (Iceland) which he called the 
jumping-off place. 

There was also with them a Hungarian, one 
who had followed the fortunes of Bela ever since 
his exile. He was called Hunyady, and was a 
musical genius, playing beautifully on the harp. 
Almost all the men had good voices; and much 
time was spent enjoy ably, as they rowed down the 
river. Tall trees overhung its margin; and in 
their shade they floated, chatting and telling 


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91 


stories; listening to the harper, as he sang the 
wild, war-songs of the nations; or, all joining, 
chanting in full harmony the music of the church, 
which rolled gloriously up to heaven from the per- 
fect sounding-board of the water and the trees. 

At Sandimir they procured a guide to take 
them from the nearest and best point upon the 
river San, to Kief. That part of the journey 
would have to be made overland. They all wel- 
comed this change in their mode of travel; and 
their first day-or-so’s marches were good long ones. 
They arrived at the Wiepix river one day, just as 
night came on, and pitched camp there at once. A 
little above them a sycamore tree had been up- 
rooted by the early floods, and thrown down across 
the river, almost bridging it. Geyza spent his 
time, while awaiting supper, in clambering upon 
this prostrate giant; and, running out to where 
some light limbs were suspended just above the 
water, he laid himself out full-length upon them, 
and swayed up and down, splashing the water with 
the branches, and otherwise courting danger. 

His father kept his eyes well on him, while he 
played thus, anxious for his safety, hut not want- 
ing to say “Ho,” glad rather to have him learn to 
hold on with his hands and legs, and above all to 
know the ups and downs of nature. Some one dis- 


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covered what looked like a honey-tree, upon the 
other bank ; but, as it grew dark rapidly, they post- 
poned crossing for investigation until the follow- 
ing day. Everyone’s mouth watered, however, in 
anticipation of the coming feast. 

Following the directions of Bela, the camp- 
guards suffered the tired-out party to sleep late; 
and consequently it was broad daylight when all 
were wakened by confused shouts and cries. It 
seems that Thorny, who had a very sweet tooth in 
his head, had gone to sleep that night with a full 
determination to wake early, and investigate that 
bee-tree for himself. He woke — not so very early, 
but earlier than the others — and started for the 
sycamore, intending to cross over that way. He 
had gotten into the branches of the tree, when he 
discovered that some one else was after honey, too ; 
for he had almost stepped upon the back of a huge 
brown bear, when an angry growl made him draw 
himself up quickly on to the limb above him, and 
at the same time yell for help. 

The bear had apparently attempted to go over 
on the tree; and, finding that it did not reach 
across, had given up and was returning. It was 
lucky for Thorny that his bear ship at the time 
needed all fours to hold on to the smaller limbs 
where he was, and keep his balance; else Thorny 


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93 


might have felt the force of his paws. The 
startled man worked his way backwards along the 
limb on which he had taken refuge as far as he 
could go ; and the bear followed him part way, then 
stopped, uncertain whether to venture further out 
upon this swaying support or not. A small 
branch, projecting upward, separated the two ; and 
to this branch the hear clung, now rising up, now 
squatting down, in his uncertainty. 

By this time the guards, and some of the 
others who had been wakened by the noise, had 
hurried to the spot ; but so ludicrous a picture did 
the two present, that the crowd could do nothing 
but gather on the shore opposite, and make sport 
of Thorny. He was half kneeling on some 
branches, and holding to the limb with one hand, 
while with the other he occasionally flirted a 
branch he had broken off, in the bear’s face. He 
seemed to have lost his wits with fright. 

“Get out, ye ugly beast !” he shouted. 

“Yarrr — !” snarled the bear. 

“O, the Saints and Martyrs! don’t! I didn’t 
mean it.” 

“Tickle his nose again,” called one of the men 
on the hank. 

“Shut up ! Why don’t ye shoot the devil ?” 

“Grrrr — !” said the bear. 


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“Oh ! don’t ! — poor bear, good bear.” 

“Put some salt on bis ta — a — il,” from the 
shore. 

“Shoot him ! shoot him, some of ye — Oh ! 
mercy on my soul ! — keep back, you blasted 
wretch !” 

“Grr — wa — grr-wa — grrrl — !” 

“Shoo bear, shoo bear, shoooo — bear !” 

“Shake hands with your friend,” yelled 
Glinski. 

“May be ye’d like to change places with a fel- 
low? — Whoop! out! out! — O glory!” as the bear 
made a dive at him with his claws. “There, 
there ! poor fellow, poor fellow ! — By Saint Olaf ! 
if I ever get clear of this, I’ll never try again to 
steal a march upon a honey-tree.” 

The mention of honey seemed to exasperate the 
hear still more ; he reached out his long claws ; and, 
laying hold of the branch that Thorny waved at 
him, jerked it out of his hands. 

“Help ! help ! for mercy’s sake, will no one put 
an arrow in his hide ? — There ! there ! Keep 
quiet, bear! good bear! pretty bear! I will not 
harm thee, hear.” 

“He’s not a Polish bear ; talk Russian to him,” 
shouted Hunyady. “Hudge up closer to him, 
man ; don’t stand on ceremony ; seest thou not his 


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95 


gentle hint? Eye, Thorny! would’st thou have a 
she-bear ? He will do the hugging act with satis- 
faction. Don’t he so shy !” 

“Ow ! ow ! quit ! scatter !” 

And amidst the growling of the bear, Thorny’s 
groaning, and peals of laughter from the crowd, 
Bela strode up. 

“What means this uproar ?” 

“Why, Your Excellency, our good friend, 
Thorny, is parleying with yonder grand duke of 
the forest for a passport to his honey-tree; and, 
faith ! they make much sweet talk about the mat- 
ter ; but have not as yet clasped hands upon it.” 

“Whatever shall I do, Your Honor?” bawled 
the poor fellow, now thoroughly exasperated. 

“Why, foolish man, drop to the water and 
swim out of it.” 

“The Saints forgive me! I never thought of 
that!” and thoroughly humiliated, his manner 
changed immediately ; he lost all fear ; and calmly 
commenced to unbuckle his girdle and take off his 
tunic over his head. 

“What doth he mean?” exclaimed the aston- 
ished Hunyady. 

“Perhaps he is stripping for a wrestle with 
Master Bruin,” said Glinski. 

Whatever may have been the reason for his re- 


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treat, the bear, turning about too awkwardly, lost 
his balance, and fell rolling down through the 
branches into the water. At the same moment 
Thorny dropped also ; but, alas, for his new-found 
composure ! He lit squarely on the middle of the 
bear’s back, just projecting above the surface of 
the shallow water. With a wild spluttering growl 
the bear reared and plunged and struggled some- 
how over to the other bank, while the Norwegian 
slipped backwards, and got a ducking as complete 
as unexpected. 

The disappearance of the bear in the brush 
broke the spell which all along had withheld the 
huntsman-spirit of the party; and with hue and 
cry they dashed across the shallow ford, and were 
in full chase of Mr. Bruin. But he had gotten 
too fair a start of them; and one by one they re- 
turned, barely less crestfallen than the object of 
their chaffing, who grumbled that it served them 
right for missing their excellent opportunity. 

After breakfast they gathered around the bee- 
tree, and, first building a fire of green wood in 
order to keep the bees off, they took turns with 
their axes at the great trunk of the tree. Geyza 
stood a good way off and watched the work with 
interest, holding a burning torch as protection 
against the bees, should they come his way. The 


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97 


men seemed to make slow progress in their cut- 
ting, and he wondered that they had the patience 
to undertake the task. 

Finally, Bela, who was superintending, com- 
manded all to draw back to one side ; then he had 
them cut down a tall, slim pine-sapling, cut off the 
top a little above the first crotch, and trim off the 
other small branches. This made a long, forked 
pole, which several of the men placed against the 
tree-trunk under one of its branches ; and with this 
they pushed all together at the same time that 
Bela gave two or three vigorous strokes on the 
other side, with his great axe. There was a 
tremble, a slow — very slow — movement of the 
whole vast mass of foliage to one side, a sigh, a 
rushing sound, like a mighty wind ; and -the whole 
forest seemed to be falling in the crash, so large a 
space of blue sky was left vacant. 

The bees had all scurried from their home, 
like the inhabitants of a conquered city before the 
dreadful assault of fire-brand and battering-ram 
that makes ruin of their strong, sheltering walls. 
Then came the pillage; what a sweet golden store 
they found of most delicious honey ! You must 
believe that Geyza soon had his hands full, nor 
stopped to ask for plate or spoon. His face and 
hands were all one sticky mass of sweetness, till he 


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had eaten his fill, and the little river washed them 
clean again. The remaining store, or, at least, all 
that they could carry was covered with large heart- 
shaped, linden leaves wrapped in pieces of bark, 
and packed on the horses’ backs. 

Another day’s journey brought them to the 
river Bug; and here Glinski grew eloquent about 
the great battle, which Geyza’s great-grand-father, 
Boleslaw the Great, had, somewhere on this river, 
made against the flower of the Russians under the 
command of Vladimir the Great ; and how, utterly 
defeating them, he had driven these flying Rus- 
sians into their capital, himself riding up, and 
striking with his sword the famous golden gate of 
Kief. 

Shortly afterwards our travellers entered the 
town called by the name of this Russian Duke or 
King ; and glad they were of the refreshment they 
procured. There Geyza saw, for the first time, 
that terrible race of men, known now as Turks, in 
a general way, but then called Petchenegs, a fierce 
race of men who had been enemies of his ancestors 
before they settled in Hungary. Besides these, 
and the native Russians of the town, there were 
some Greeks. He was much impressed also with 
the strange costumes and languages. But his 
father smiled and told him to reserve his enthusi- 


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99 


asm for the journey’s end; for then he would see 
such a variety of the races of the earth as he could 
not imagine now. 

As they continued on their march, they left the 
high ground and deep valleys behind. The 
country grew more flat, and travelling was easier, 
save for their weariness. Game had been plenty 
all the way, but as yet Geyza had tested his cross- 
bow r with success only upon such things as rabbits 
and squirrels. One evening, however, they 
camped near a birch forest, and Bela suggested to 
him that they should try the next morning if there 
were any of the ruffed-grouse or birch-partridges 
to be found there. So, after an early breakfast 
they started out, Geyza with his cross-how, and his 
father wflth his long-how and a great bladder. 

“What is that queer thing thou carriest, 
father ?” 

“A bullock’s bladder.” 

“And what is it for ?” 

“Wait and see. It is very late in the season to 
use it, but we can try.” 

Geyza, much puzzled about its use, kept pace 
with his father’s long stride pretty well for his 
short legs, until they had made some way into the 
forest, when Bela cautioned him to move quietly 
and keep both eyes open for the birds. 


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A grove of birch trees is a beautiful sight, and 
our little hero almost forgot what he was look- 
ing for in his enthusiastic appreciation of the 
scene, when — “Whrrr — !” right into his face 
almost came a blinding rush of feathers. Throw- 
ing up his hands before his face he cried out in 
alarm ; a moment more and he took courage to look 
out. But the grouse — for such it was, a mother 
bird started at her nest, and who had thus swooped 
out at him — was flying low beneath the under- 
brush, a young bird in her beak, and like a shadow 
disappearing in the distance. She was gone be- 
fore he had recovered from his surprise. Much 
chagrined, he tried to turn ofl his discomfiture by 
saying: 

“Father, why didst thou not shoot the bird?” 

Bela smiled, but, growing serious, said: 

“It was a brave action, like a true mother, and 
I would not have stopped so brave a rescue of her 
child, if I could. But it was strange and un- 
usual thus to carry off her young. Let us see if 
there are others, her nest must be nigh.” But 
search as they would, they could find nothing 
more. “Hm — , it must be so; well done! — well 
and wisely done, my little creature !” 

“What, father?” 

“Why, it is the custom of the mother-bird, 


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101 


when disturbed with her young, to cunningly lead 
the hunter away, by feigning lameness in her 
wings, and thus tempting him to chase her, as she 
half runs and flutters. In this way she leads him 
on so far as she thinks necessary to the safety of 
her nest; then — ‘Whrr — P in a moment she is 
gone. But, undoubtedly, this mother had but the 
one baby bird, and, bravely darting into our faces, 
so confused and startled us that she had time to 
seize her little one and get away before we could 
recover and draw bow. ’Twas unusual reasoning 
to adopt a method which was safer with the one 
offspring, but which could not have been done with 
more. I would be proud, indeed, to have as quick 
a wit myself. Such quickness is the crowning 
virtue of a general. But let us go further ; 
yonder is a hollow log half hidden in the brush; 
let us conceal ourselves there and try the virtue of 
this call.” 

So saying, Bela led the way to the log, and 
both of them knelt down behind it in the brush. 
Telling Geyza to get ready with his bow, Bela took 
the bladder and began to beat it with a stick, first 
slowly, then more rapidly, and then more slowly 
until he stopped. It made a drumming sound 
that carried far into the distance. This he re- 
peated several times at intervals, when down from 


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a neighboring tree came sailing a beautiful great 
grouse. No sooner did be alight than bis broad 
tail was spread out like a fan, and, with wings 
stiffened and scraping the ground, be strutted 
about, uttering a wild and scornful note, bis swell- 
ing neck throbbing with anger and his bobbing 
bead turning this way and then that, to find the 
noisy cock who called so out of season ; as much as 
to say he would teach him if be once got bold of 
him. 

Geyza hesitated but a moment; then, with 
trembling bands, be braced the bow against his 
shoulder; he could feel bis heart flutter, and be 
could hardly see the bright spot of color proudly 
strutting there before him. Bringing all bis 
strength of resolution to bear upon bis nerves, be 
took good steady aim at last, and — “Twang !” 

“Good ! Well done, my boy !” shouted the de- 
lighted father ; for the bird bad risen, feebly flut- 
tered, and fallen headlong, and, with a few spas- 
modic jerks, lay dead, spitted evenly by the arrow. 

How proud the boy was ! And bow he 
smoothed the soft feathers, sadly admiring the 
beauty of the lifeless wings, the wide brown tail, 
black-striped across, the bright-red spots above the 
eyes, and the queer, glossy, stiff, black feathers 
amidst the downy softness of the neck! Bela 


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103 


looked on with infinite pleasure in his beloved 
son’s enjoyment, and told him much of the habits 
of the bird, and that the reason of his death was 
that he had yielded to passionate hate and proud 
jealousy of some imaginary rival he thought he 
had heard drumming. 

“’Tis ever thus, my child; pride comes before 
a fall” 

When they reached the camp, on their return, 
they found a wild, hilarious group shouting, laugh- 
ing and clapping at the fat Norwegian, who was 
in full chase of Glinski, as he dodged from tree to 
tree. There had been jumping for the champion- 
ship; the best jump so far was nine feet, six 
inches, and all had tried but Thorny. He had 
then vowed, “by Thor and Odin !” he would show 
them how they leaped in Norway. Puffing out his 
cheeks and with much flourish of his arms, he 
sprang forward to land, not as he expected, in 
graceful style upon his feet, but prone upon the 
ground, his arms and legs wildly waving in the 
air, and his long red hair tossed in disorder about 
his red face and bulging eyes. 

At the ridiculous figure which the Norwegian 
cut, the others shouted, while Thorny, in a rage 
from discomfiture at his failure, sprang, or rather 
rolled, to his feet. 


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It was at this point that Geyza and his father 
came up, just in time to see the Norwegian make 
a lurch at Glinski and grapple him, and both of 
them go rolling down the steep bank into the 
water, sink out of sight, come sputtering up again, 
and stand there in the water to their armpits. 

But Glinski wriggled from his grasp and 
dived, and, dodging under water, swam away and 
climbed the bank some distance off, spitting and 
sputtering amidst shouts of laughter from the 
others. 

Geyza’s showing of his prize now took the 
attention of them all, for they were very fond of 
the little fellow, and glad to praise him for his 
success. 

And so the days wore on. Zhitomir was 
reached and left behind them, and one evening, as 
they broke through the edge of a wood, lo ! before 
them, red in the setting sunlight, glowed the domes 
and turrets of the city of the hundred churches. 
To the tired travellers of the vast forests it shone 
like a vision of the Heavenly Jerusalem. 

“O father ! that must be Kief, the beautiful.” 

“Aye ! ’tis a grand sight, indeed. Ah ! brother 
Andrew,” murmured Bela, “in pleasant places 
have thy lines fallen.” 


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105 


“Art sorry, father, that thou canTst not hither 
thyself ?” 

“Little son ! little son ! *tis a just rebuke. 
Hot even to be Duke of Kief would I exchange so 
brave and good and loving a child as thou hast 
been to me. Ho ! God knows best; ? tis wicked in 
me ever to repine, when He has blessed me so.” 

“How I wish Ladis and Ordulf could see this 
lovely scene !” said Geyza. “0, father ! see ! see ! 
There is a river beyond the city ; dost thou see it ?” 

“That is the Dnieper ; and, look this way, that 
is the golden gate where thou seest the gay com- 
pany of horsemen entering. Listen ! Hearest 
thou the bells ?” 

And, as they listened, the music grew; tower 
after tower throughout the vast city sent its sweet, 
vibrating message out, the call for evening prayer. 
Reverently they knelt, and fervently Bela begged 
a blessing on his mission there. Many anxious 
thoughts crowded on him, as he went forward to- 
ward the city gates. Was his brother still living? 
How would he greet him ? How would the great 
Russian Duke receive his offer ? What of delay 
would that enchanted city hold for him, who now 
felt a longing to see his wife and younger child? 
There was no answer to these questions save what 
time might disclose. 


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Loudly blew the trumpeter, and while Bela 
briefly stated to the warden that they came from 
Poland and bore messages from King Casimir to 
the most glorious J aroslav, the heavy gates 
opened, and the little travel-stained band passed 
into the protection of the Russian capital. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


W HILE our travellers were approaching the 
city, inside its walls, and all unconscious 
of his brother’s nearness, Andrew was standing on 
the stone steps that led up to the fine residence 
which he and his newly-jvedded wife were occupy- 
ing, gayly conversing with several young men. 
By their dress and manners, fastidious and grace- 
ful, one would recognize them as belonging to that 
class of Russian nobles who attended on the Duke. 
And such they were ; and, as Andrew had so lately 
been one of their boon companions, they were half- 
enviously twitting him for his desertion of them. 

“Come, Andrew, come ! thou need’st not hurry 
in so soon; thou wilt tire the new wife with such 
constant dogging of her footsteps and such ever^ 
lasting clatter of thy tongue.” Here they all 


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laughed merrily, for so much badinage had he got- 
ten from the youths that for the last half hour he 
had done naught but smile and blush. “Usevold, 
here, will keep his sister company while we show 
thee how the town is drooping for the want of thy 
truant wit and merriment. The gallants at the 
wresting bout have grown sleepy, and the combat- 
ants lack spirit. The little Greek maiden at the 
fruit market is positively pining ; not one of us can 
gain a smile.” 

“Tush ! Andrew,” said another, “pose not for 
a curiosity; come now! and show the clamoring 
populace thou livest yet ; or, faith ! we’ll be stoned 
for having slain thee.” 

“And, O Andrew !” said still another, “the 
very thing! I know where thou canst get the 
little Ethiopian page thou desirest for thy lady. 
A wandering Hungarian merchant showed me two 
of them this morning at the market; lovely little 
chaps, about eight years of age, twin brothers. 
He will sell either one for one hundred denarii, or 
the two for one hundred and seventy-five.” 

“I want but one,” said Andrew. “Think you 
he will be at the market now ?” 

“Aye, possibly; we will pilot thee thither, for 
thou hast probably forgotten the way by this 
time.” 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


109 


So saying, the young man, whose name was 
Mistislav, caught him gayly round the waist, and 
the crowd went, lightly laughing and singing, 
down the street. Arrived at the slave market, 
they quickly found the slave merchant, who still 
had the two boys, shining ebony and naked to the 
waist. Andrew exclaimed at their symmetry and 
their bright, intelligent faces. He patted one 
upon the head, and said in Russian : 

“Would’st thou like to live with me, my boy ?” 

The child’s eyes glistened as he looked up 
anxiously into the face of what might he his future 
master, hut did not answer with his tongue, as he 
did not know the language. 

“Ah ! my most noble and most gracious Lord,” 
whined the obsequious merchant, “he could not 
fall into better hands; but canst thou not take 
them both?” 

There was a strained and longing look upon 
the other’s face, for he too readily understood the 
purport of the gestures of the men. Andrew 
shook his head. “I can hut have the luxury of 
one, though it mislikes me greatly to separate the 
brothers.” 

A dull, lack-lustre, crushed look deadened the 
other little fellow’s face, while tears started to the 


110 


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eyes of his more favored brother as he cried in 
Greek : 

“I would rather stay with the cruel master 
than leave my brother.” 

Frightened by the dark scowl of the merchant 
as he let slip these words, he shrunk involuntarily 
against Andrew’s legs. The latter, who under- 
stood Greek, turned on the merchant, angrily 
demanding what the lad meant. 

“O, most worshipful master ! he is but restive 
under this incessant dragging about from town to 
town. But surely,” he muttered, “he is mine to 
do with as I please,” and an evil, cunning smile 
defaced his none too pleasant countenance as he 
calculated that sympathy might the more induce 
the noble to the purchase. 

“Enough ! How much dost ask for the boy ?” 

“One hundred and fifty denarii.” 

“What ! my friend here said thou offeredst 
him the lad for one hundred only.” 

“’Tis true, but I have changed my mind since 
then; I will not part with him for less than one 
hundred and fifty.” 

“Go to, then ! There is thy money ; it makes 
me blush to think that such a crafty scoundrel is 
my countryman.” 

At this he and his turned upon their heels and 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


Ill 


walked away, leading the little blackamore by the 
band, while be, half glad, half sorry at this change 
of fortune, looked back longingly at bis brother. 
Scarcely bad they passed out of sight when the 
cruel merchant, enraged at the insult be bad re* 
ceived from Andrew, vented bis wrath upon the 
little, lonely, unprotected slave; pinched and buf- 
fered and swore at him, until, in wild despera- 
tion, the boy broke from him and ran, with all the 
might bis little legs could give him, in the direc- 
tion that the young noblemen had taken. Fiercely 
the Hungarian gave chase, a scourge raised in bis 
band, while yelling at the top of bis voice, “Stop 
him ! Stop him ! lie is my slave ; stop him ! 
Stop the runaway !” 

On they sped. Andrew and bis friends bad 
turned into a shop, and, as the chase went by, came 
hurriedly out to see what all this noise meant. 
They got out just in time to see the pursuer grasp 
the boy and strike him to the ground, then raise 
bis scourge again in both bands high above bis 
bead. Andrew ran toward him but turned bis 
eyes away, loath to see the pitiless blows be knew 
would descend ere be could reach him. 

But there was nearer succor. Like a streak 
of red fire, a little bright-coated boy bad dashed 
across the pavement and, standing astride the pros- 


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trate black with clubbed crossbow, glared defiance 
at the inhuman monster, and in ringing tones 
cried out, “Thou shalt not strike !” 

It was a picture for a painter. The helpless 
black, the rough, half-civilized power of the strong 
man, and the little red guardian figure with the 
golden cross upon his breast, and outraged justice 
shining in his eyes. Geyza had instinctively used 
the Hungarian language, but the angry merchant, 
though checked for a moment by the imperious 
command, scornfully shouted: 

“Shalt not! Who says ‘shalt not’ to Yaik? 
Thy shoulders, then, shall feel the blow !” As he 
said this his descending arms were caught in a 
grasp of iron, and, lifted by a giant’s strength, he 
was hurled through the air and alighted in a pile 
of dirty rubbish yards away. 

“There, carrion, is the home of anyone who 
dares to raise a hand against the son of Bela, 
Prince of Hungary!” 

All this had taken place so rapidly that 
Andrew barely got up in time to hear the last few 
words. Surprise, delight and pride passed over 
his features as, with both hands extended, he 
almost whispered : 

“Can it be my brother Bela? Welcome, wel- 
come, brother! I am Andrew; dost thou know 



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113 


me not ?” and they fell into each other’s arms, even 
as Joseph and Benjamin of old. 

Geyza, nervous with delight, was then pre- 
sented to his uncle, and soon after, pulling at his 
f ather’ s sleeve to gain attention, he whispered : 

“Father, do not forget the black boy; do not let 
the cruel master have him more; please, buy him 
for me and Ladislaus, father.” 

“Give me that pleasure, brother,” spoke up 
Andrew. “Here, thou rascal merchant ; thou 
may’st have half thy price for this poor slave, or 
thou may’st cool thy heels in the deepest dungeon 
Kief can offer till such time as thou may’st answer 
for thine assault upon the guest of the Grand 
Duke.” 

This bargain was quickly struck with the now 
thoroughly humbled merchant, and he slunk away, 
while upon Andrew’s cordial invitation the entire 
party started for his home, Geyza leading the 
grateful black along as though he was some curious 
and unknown animal, for he had never seen so 
black a creature in his life before. 

Arrived at the house, servants took charge of 
Bela and his party, assigned them rooms, and left 
them to bathe, oil, and otherwise prepare them- 
selves, with the more comfort to meet the lady of 
the house. Geyza was delighted with the profuse 


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luxuriance of his surroundings ; so much grander, 
as he told his father, than even the palace at 
Gnesen; such great ferns and palms and lovely 
flowers everywhere; and the fountains with their 
cool pattering sound of falling water; the myriad 
candles, that made everything bright now as night 
came on. 

Then, when he and his father were ushered 
into the great hall, the brilliant company of beau- 
tiful ladies and fine gallants, richly dressed, made 
his cheeks glow with excited pleasure. They had 
all heard of his heroic action, and the bright 
smiles and caresses showered upon him made wild 
confusion in his little head ; and he said, “Indeed, 
’tis true!” when one of the nobles complained, 
with rueful face, it was not fair. After they had 
been served with a luxurious repast, the tables 
were removed and gay scenes followed. Geyza 
felt very well content to have the beautiful new 
aunt hold him beside her, toying with his curls, as 
she talked sweetly to his father about the virtues 
of her husband. And, listening to soft music that 
stole in from the open doors, feeling the gentle, 
soothing touch of fingers so like his mother’s, the 
tired little fellow dropped his nodding head upon 
her breast and slumbered. 

“Let me take the child to bed,” said Bela. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


115 


“Nay, do not disturb him yet; I love to hold 
him thus. God grant that I may have just such 
a darling of my own some day to cherish. Dear 
little nephew !” and she touched his forehead with 
her lips. 

Bela went to sleep that night delightfully re- 
freshed, yet dreading even more than ever the 
diplomatic undertaking that he had before him. 
The culture, the beauty and the greatness of 
Russia’s capital must be the result of wise, wise 
government. How could he, a simple soldier, 
hope to impress such a magnificent Duke so as to 
obtain all that his adopted country so much 
needed? But he could not turn back now; he 
must go on. 

The next morning, with his escort in their best 
array, and Geyza also, he accompanied Andrew to 
the royal palace. The officer of the court con- 
ducted them to one of the ante-chambers, and 
prayed them kindly wait a while; that Jaroslav 
was then busy with learned men upon his written 
code of laws, and that that which he considered the 
most important work of his whole life could not be 
interrupted till a certain hour. This would make 
it necessary that they wait a little. Andrew was 
much chagrined that his brother’s embassy should 
thus be made to wait ; but Bela minded it not, for 


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he became interested at once in talking with the 
officer about this great enterprise of the Grand 
Duke. 

He learned that wager of battle and trial by 
ordeal were established laws in this code; that, 
furthermore, it was the first written code Russia 
had ever had. In this way time quickly passed ; 
and trumpets announced the hour arrived, when, 
seated in state upon his throne, the Grand Duke of 
Russia would receive his people and all foreign 
embassies. The officer, disappearing for a mo- 
ment, returned and motioned Bela to follow with 
his suite. They entered the great audience room, 
and Bela, advancing toward the throne, bent his 
knee before the Duke, while the officer proclaimed 
aloud, “Bela, Ambassador from the King of 
Poland, and his suite.” 

The great man, whose strong face was deeply 
lined with marks of thought and character, rose at 
once, and, stepping down, graciously took Bela by 
the hand and begged him to be seated at his side. 
There was something in the earnest eyes of 
J aroslav that won Bela’s heart at once. It seemed 
to him that here was a man who had all others’ 
interests at heart before his own. And in Bela 
the Russian Duke saw — what? A patient, will- 
ing, mighty force. Those great sad eyes, so clear, 


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117 


unwavering and gentle; the towering stature, the 
hard muscles and large, rugged hands, already 
scarred, told the character of a man whom one 
would wish to lean on as a friend. 

“It gives me great pleasure to meet the brother 
of my newly-made son-in-law, Andrew ; and I will 
gladly learn thy mission from the King of 
Poland.” 

“Casimir, my King, sends thee his love, and 
begs thou wilt accept, as token of his friendship, 
the casket which my attendants here convey.” 

At a motion from Bela, two of his men brought 
forward a cunningly wrought silver casket, which 
they held, kneeling; till Bela, rising, took it from 
them and laid it beside Jaroslav. 

The latter, smiling pleasantly, took it up and, 
looking at it, murmured : 

“’Tis very quaint.” Then keenly eyeing Bela, 
he said, “What wants your King ?” 

All the smooth phrases which Bela had made 
ready forsook him at this sudden question. He 
hesitated, blushed and stammered; then, frankly 
meeting the Duke’s gaze with a steady, trustful 
look, he simply, quietly and with growing elo- 
quence told the plain truth about the necessities of 
Poland, and ended thus : 

“O, wise Duke ! Poland seeks to be thy 


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brother. It is the strongest tie ’twixt men of 
honor. There is no greater gift within the power 
of Poland. Wilt thou accept it V’ 

“Noble Bela, can I refuse it? The man who 
wants me is the one I want above all others. But 
we must gain the will of still another. If thou 
canst plead before my sister, as thou hast done to 
me, sure success will be the issue. But one thing 
I must have from Casimir: his grandsire did 
from my father gain certain cities; thou hast 
passed through some of them; the people are 
Russian, my children. These cities he must needs 
return to me, or future trouble may arise, for 
children’s interests sometimes part the best of 
brothers. Let us to my sister !” and, rising, he 
dismissed the court, and they went out together. 

Geyza had not lost a word of this conversation ; 
and, though he may not have comprehended all of 
it, he knew enough to see that his father bore him- 
self, the equal (in fact, he thought him the su- 
perior) of the famous Russian Duke. Sturdy 
little man, wherever he and his great father went 
together, they drew all eyes. 

The beautiful Maria received them graciously, 
and with such dignity and gentleness did Bela 
urge the suit of Casimir, telling how kind a 
brother, reverent a son, and learned a prince he 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


119 


was, that she yielded to the wishes of her brother ; 
and, stipulating certain delay necessary to prepare 
for so great a circumstance, she agreed to accom- 
pany Bela upon his return. Jaroslav took such a 
liking to Bela, that naught would do but he must 
see the many institutions which it was his special 
pride to have created. This, to Bela, was not only 
an honor, but a matter of deep interest. 

They visited the schools for boys, a wonderful 
enterprise in such an age and among such a primi- 
tive people ; heard the trained singers in the 
churches, and, above all, saw the magnificent 
mosaics in the Cathedral of St. Sophia. Here 
Geyza loved to sit and see portrayed before his 
eyes the sweet story of the Saviour. It was only 
crude mosaic work, but it told the love and suffer- 
ing of our Lord better than anything else did, in 
that old time. He fell in love with the soft-sound- 
ing name, Sophia, and it ever was the sweetest 
woman’s name to him. 

One of the chief wonders of this wonderful 
city, to him, was, as his father had foretold, the 
vast number of strange nationalities that found 
their way hither. Here were Greeks and Romans, 
Jews, Turks and Servians, Moors, Saracens and 
Ethiopians, and many, many more. Particularly 
at this time great interest and excitement centered 


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in the Bulgarians, who, in open rebellion against 
the weak and dying Emperor of Constantinople, 
Michael IV., under the direction of the base-born 
Deleanos, constantly sent ambassadors asking help 
from Russia. This rebellion Jaroslav could not 
countenance, for, inefficient as the Greek Emperor 
was, there was no legal or universally acknowl- 
edged head to the Bulgarians ; and, being at peace 
with Greece, he could not interfere. Still these 
Bulgarians came and were entertained, and made 
fiery speeches, scornfully abusing the paralytic 
Emperor and his — as they deemed her — shameless 
wife. 

But such talk roused the ire of Andrew and 
others of the nobles, and they reprimanded such 
speech about the last descendant of the mighty 
Macedonian dynasty which had held up the power 
of art, literature and science, against the crushing 
forces that had drowned them out of every other 
European country. 

It was these people, and their talk about far-off 
countries, that taught our little hero what a wide, 
wide world it is, and how hard it is to keep the 
balances of justice even between nations. He did 
not put his thought into words, but the idea grew 
there, just the same, to try and hear both sides of 


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121 


every question, and then to think on which side he 
would rather trust his honor. 

But you must not think that this was the only 
kind of entertainment that Geyza had. Oh, no. 
He was a little boy, and played most of the time 
about his uncle’s house; and such a fine place it 
was to play in ! There were other boys in Kief, 
too, and the little blacks were a circus in them- 
selves ; now dressed in pretty page’s costumes, still 
showing enough of the black to suit anybody’s 
taste for ebony. They could stand on their heads 
and walk on their hands, and in the long corridors 
transformed into black cart-wheels, they chased 
each other till your eyes would swim to watch 
them. Geyza tried his best to copy these accom- 
plishments, but found that his attempts mostly 
ended in heavy falls upon the paved floors, in 
which experiments he proved that he could make a 
cry stay down, if he could not make his legs 
stay up. 

But when they went to swim in the great baths 
of Greek or Boman pattern, so deep that the boys 
could run and dive, or jump in with arms ex- 
tended upward, and, straight as an arrow, cleave 
the water like a javelin and sink out of sight, 
while the round wave-rings, gently spreading, 
lapped the edges of the basin — that was sport! 


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They would come up again with a sputter and a 
head-shake, spread out their arms, and, their heads 
thrown back, float idly, till — “Chug !” would go 
one foot and then the other ; and then, perhaps, a 
lively chase of one another, splashing each other’s 
faces, climbing the steps, and shouting in glee, as, 
little, dripping, naked figures, they ran about the 
edge of the basin and dived in again. 

Yes, that was fun. But that, too, was some- 
thing Geyza had to learn; and bravely did he 
struggle to succeed, calling to his father in his first 
achievements, “Look, father ! look, look ! Didst 
thou see, father? — I — ha — I made — three — ah — 
three strokes all at once. I can swim, father, 
really and truly swim. Couldst thou make three 
strokes when first thou learnedst to swim, father, 
when thou wast a little boy in Hungary ? Couldst 
thou, father? all at once and not hold on to any- 
thing? How, just look, father! look! I’ll show 
thee again !” and away he goes. It is as much as 
one able-bodied attendant can do to keep track of 
him and see he does not drown ; and, had you seen 
him coming out of the water, red and dripping, his 
hair hanging in straight strings about his head and 
face, puffing and blowing, you would have taken 
him for just an ordinary boy; nor seen in him the 
future, brave, upright, glorious King of Hungary. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


123 


But even little boys’ holidays come to an end, 
and the preparations of prospective brides are 
accomplished. The fair Maria had seen safely 
finished her two or three dozens of this dainty 
article, and her dozen of that, her wonderful and 
costly bridal dress of lace and silk and jewels, her 
robes and cloaks and girdles for all possible and 
impossible occasions; all her dearest lady friends 
had seen and gloated over these, and many others 
I would not dare to mention for fear you might not 
believe me, and I could not show them to you to 
make my word good; for they were all worn out, 
or lost, or sold, or stolen, hundreds and hundreds 
of years ago. But they were all there then, and 
very real to the Princess who was going to be 
married to a man she had never seen in all her life. 

The last day in Kief has come. The great flat 
boats rise and fall at their moorings, with the 
gentle heaving of the bosom of the Dnieper. The 
sun shines on the armor of thousands of soldiers, 
as they march down the streets in steady order and 
embark. These are the troops which the Grand 
Duke sends as his contingent in the Masovian cam- 
paign, and as the escort of his sister. On horses 
handsomely caparisoned, nobles, officers and court- 
iers surround the Duke as he rides beside his sister 
to where the graceful barge, resplendent with flags 


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and streamers, awaits his coming. Hurried fare- 
wells have been said by Geyza and his father to all 
the kind friends they are leaving, and promises of 
love and prayerful memory have been given; the 
embarkation is effected, the long oars of the rowers 
project in glistening rows above the blue waters, 
the Grand Duke waves his hand, the nobles wave 
their flashing swords in air, the trumpets sound, 
the bells ring out, the assembled multitude break 
out in cheers and shouting, the oars fall into the 
water, and the voyage commences. 

"Hi! hi! hi !” "'Run ! run !” "Look at the 
little beast! what’s he up to?” "Stop him!” 
And through the crowd, like a streak of lightning, 
the little Ethiopian dashes; out the long pier he 
goes, and, w T ith a mighty leap for such a midget, he 
takes the water. Attracted by the unusual com- 
motion, Geyza catches sight of him, and a quick 
word to his father makes him order the rowers of 
the barge to stop and back-water. Geyza finds his 
way to the stern, and, waving his cap to the little 
swimmer, calls him to come on. A few minutes 
more and his little page, breathless and excited, 
climbs into the boat, with help, and falls at Geyza’ s 
feet ; and, with this last addition to their force, the 
flotilla again proceeds. 

The secret of this episode was the reluctance 


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of Hekla, Geyza’s page, to leave his brother, 
Amru. And Geyza, in the generosity of his heart, 
had said he might remain. But our hero once 
really started, Hekla, who had grown extremely 
fond of him, felt a tugging at the heart that, joined 
to gratitude and duty, got the better of his other 
inclinations, and resulted as we see. 


CHAPTER IX. 


U P the Dnieper to the Pripet, and thence to 
where transportation could be best effected 
through the swamps (so full this year), was the 
course planned out. All went well as could be 
expected with such a large body of men and horses 
cramped and confined within the boats for so long 
a time. But frequent stops were made where good 
land offered; and there was little sickness among 
the troops. The rowers, stripped to the waist, and 
well coppered by the sun, were the greatest suffer- 
ers, but they were changed often, and only one died 
upon the way. 

Where there was opportunity to make cross- 
cuts, the horsemen would take the land for a 
change. Geyza was always in this party, for the 
Grand Duke had given him a fleet wild ass, one 


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127 


that had been bred and trained in the Russian town 
of Minsk, and he was anxious to try him at every 
opportunity. Bela did not always join these 
parties, as he thought it ungallant to desert the 
Princess continually; hut he always felt a little 
nervous till he had his boy safe with him again. 

On one of these occasions, upon the Pripet, the 
boats found the horsemen waiting for them late one 
cloudy morning. As they came aboard, Bela, 
looking anxiously for Geyza, could nowhere dis- 
cover him. Inquiry developed the fact that he 
was last seen riding ahead of the party toward the 
river, glimpses of which they had seen from a 
slight elevation about a half-hour's ride from 
where they halted for the boats, and upon their 
reaching the river, which took place an hour pre- 
viously, his absence had not been noticed. 

Bela instantly organized a searching party and 
scoured the neighborhood until noon without 
success. Upon their return they found the noon 
meal prepared, but Bela could not eat. He paced 
about, his heart sick with dread of evil to his boy, 
and tried to think what could have happened to 
him. He could not have been thrown from his ass 
and injured, or in their thorough search they 
would have found him, surely; neither could he 
have been attacked by some wild animal, or his 


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shouts would have been heard. Had he fallen into 
the river, and, encumbered with his clothing, or 
caught by some snag under the water, been 
drowned ? He shuddered at the horrible thought. 
Or had some human enemy captured, gagged and 
carried him off into captivity? He thought of 
him sold into slavery, and in some far-off country 
under cruel treatment, dragging out years of suf- 
fering. What should he do ? What could he do ? 

Ah ! An idea came to him. He recollected 
how, when the riding party started out that morn- 
ing, the wild ass, Beauty, nervous from confine- 
ment on the boat, had reared and plunged, and, 
breaking away from Geyza’s loose hold, ere he 
mounted, tried to run away, but was caught by 
someone before he got fairly started. Could it be 
possible that, arrived at the river here, Geyza, dis- 
mounting, had been careless of his hold again, and 
Beauty had run off, Geyza given chase, and before 
he fully realized it, lost his way; had wandered 
farther, in his efforts to get back, and so might 
even now be trying to return, faint and weary, 
somewhere in the vast solitude of the deep forest 
that stretched for miles and miles behind them ? 

How his thoughts flew. He could never return 
to his wife and Ladislaus without the son and 
brother. He would stay and search that forest till 


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129 


he found him. He called to one of the Russian 
nobles who had joined the expedition, and, telling 
him of his intentions, placed the Princess in his 
care, and the expedition under his command ; and, 
reserving for himself one of the guides, all his old 
party (experienced woodsmen), and one of the 
smallest boats, bade the others hasten to Casimir 
and tell him that he would come on as soon as he 
had found his son. 

Dividing his small force, Bela stationed some 
with the boat as a base of action and supplies, and 
the others proceeded at once to take the woods in 
squads of twos and threes. All that afternoon 
they invested the forest on all sides, constantly 
shouting and blowing bugles. Hight came, and 
one by one, all the searching parties but Bela and 
his squad returned to camp, disheartened. Later, 
one of these came in with orders from Bela for 
some of them to follow him as soon as light would 
permit, with provisions; he would leave traces of 
his course. 

The day was well nigh ended fruitlessly, when 
Bela chanced to mention to a native Russian, the 
guide whom, as luck would have it, he had added 
to his squad, that Geyza’s wild ass had led him a 
sore chase, and he bemoaned the day when the 
Grand Duke had made him such a present. 


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“The Grand Duke ! sayest thou ?” the man re- 
plied. “I have a friend in Minsk who told me he 
had lately sold a fine ass to the Duke ; perchance it 
was the same.” 

Another idea came to Bela. 

Which way is Minsk from here ?” 

“That I know not ; hut this morning I heard an 
officer say that Minsk was due north, northeast 
from there, but what direction we are now from 
the landing, or how far, I know not.” 

Bela, at home in the woods, could easily arrive 
at that; but what concerned him most was how to 
ascertain the points of the compass. The sky was 
overcast with clouds, so that the sun’s whereabouts 
was lost. He felt certain now, knowing the tricky, 
tantalizing nature of the ass, that Geyza must have 
been induced to pursue him very far, and that the 
instinct of the animal would be to travel toward its 
old home, Minsk. In that direction lay his best 
hopes of finding his dear boy. But, Oh! the 
agony of uncertainty ! How can he tell the way ? 
Vainly he tries to think. Certainly there must be 
some way. Leaning his head upon his arms 
against a tree to shut out all else but thought, he 
tries to search his brain, but nothing comes save 
aimless, wandering anxiety. Taint with the 


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131 


struggle to master his nervous confusion, he breaks 
out in prayer. 

“O God ! help me, help me I” 

Deep stillness lays its soothing hands upon his 
quivering muscles, and lulls them into rest; the 
ringing in his ears subsides, and in its stead a faint 
and far-away voice of nature drops, like hope’s 
anchor, in the storm-tossed emotions of his heart. 
Had he really heard it ? Hark ! 

“Honk, honk,” and clearer still, “Honk, honk,” 
directly overhead. 

“To the trees ! An hundred denarii to the man 
who first points them out !” 

But who can climb so well as Bela ? He seems 
to run up, so swiftly does he rise from limb to limb. 
Reaching the top as nearly as he can, he bends the 
light branches down, and rapidly sweeps the leaden 
sky with his keen eyes, and listens. He hears 
naught, sees naught, when Hunyady from a neigh- 
boring tree calls out, “Yonder to the windward !” 
and, sure enough, his strained eyes catch the 
dotted wedge, far, far away. ’Tis gone ; ’tis there 
again ; and now ’tis lost. But the wild geese have 
left for Bela in their wake a line, faint indeed, but 
one that he could follow to the pole. Carefully, 
with his companions’ help, he locates the direction, 
and, descending, prepares to follow up the search 


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toward Minsk, first sending back a messenger with 
orders, as before related. 

Until quite late that night they pushed slowly 
on, stretched out abreast in as long a line as the 
three of them could make, and keep within hearing 
of each other. About midnight they desisted, and 
in primitive fashion rested until daylight. But 
Bela could find no sleep. He stood watch, while 
the others slept, and as soon as there was light 
sufficient to renew the search, he aroused them, and 
they started on. Every time he blew his hunting 
horn the others would answer, and then all would 
stop a moment and listen. He found himself 
mechanically marking off the spaces between bugle 
calls from one tree to another, like the weary trav- 
eller on an unknown railroad, who counts the sta- 
tions, hoping that each one will be the last before 
his destination. 

In this way he marked a large poplar, not far 
away, as the next point at which to sound his horn, 
and, when in the act of raising it to his lips, he 
noticed a peculiar thing — out of the poplar tree 
was a bushy growth of linden. He had never seen 
so strange a freak before, and, quickly stepping up 
to examine more closely, he discovered that the tree 
was hollow, and these linden branches filled the 
entrance. Dropping his horn, he jerked the bar- 



“Zb cn be rose to bis feet once more, anb such a volume of 
sounO as rolleb out of tbat born, blast after blast!”— Page 133. 





The Hungarian Exiles. 


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ricade away, and, down on his hands and knees, 
peered in. All that he saw was a little, curled-up, 
sleeping boy. Yes, that was all. Then what 
made him reach in his arms, and,, taking the warm, 
soft, little hand in his, cry and cry, just like a 
woman ? 

Then he rose to his feet once more, and such a 
volume of sound as rolled out of that horn, blast 
after blast ! It soared exultant, filling the vast 
aisles and arched vaults of the forest with the joy 
of a human heart almost bursting to find utterance. 

Geyza waked up ; he couldn’t help it ; and there 
he stood with wide, staring eyes, framed in the oval 
opening, like the spirit of the mammoth tree, and 
waiting to leap into his father’s arms. The men 
came running, breathless, wondering, yet guessing 
what the noise was for, and just in time to see this 
pretty picture and take their part in the general 
rejoicing. 

“But, father, where is Beauty ? — Oh, yes ! 
there she is!” and, sure enough, there was the 
naughty beast, plunging about and straining at her 
halter where, some distance off, she was tied to a 
low, swinging branch of an oak tree. 

“In the name of all that’s wonderful, my child, 
what fairy tied her there ?” 


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And so Geyza told them all about it as they 
journeyed back. 

“You see, father, she is such a cunning Beauty, 
that she watched .her chance and pulled away from 
me while I was waiting at the river, and then she 
would run off a little way and nibble at the grass, 
and, when I would think I surely had my hand 
upon the halter, off she would go again. I did not 
want to lose her, for Ordulf and Ladis will go wild 
about her, and so I kept trying and trying until I 
had gone a long, long way. I might have given up 
and gone back then, but I had gotten so turned 
about I could not tell which way was the right one. 
Then I tried to catch the wicked little Beauty, that 
I might not get so tired in trying to find the way. 
And so I kept on, going farther and farther, until I 
was tired out and lay down to rest. I must have 
slept a long time, for when I awoke it was almost 
dark, and there was Beauty rolling on the ground 
with her heels in the air. That was the time when 
I was too quick for her. Having caught her, the 
next thing I did was to tie her tight to that oak 
branch, while I thought what to do.” 

“She must have wanted to go to her old home, 
and still not wanted to part with thee,” said Bela. 

“What a queer Beauty thou art,” said Geyza, 
patting her. “But, father, I was so hungry and 


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135 


thirsty; I roamed about, and found a brook, and 
drank all I wanted, and took Beauty there, too, 
bolding her very tightly this time ; and then, as it 
got very dark, I tied her up again; and then I 
found the hollow tree, and I broke some low 
branches off a linden, and crawled in, pulling the 
branches after me to close the hole up. I had to go 
to sleep without my supper, and I haven’t had any 
breakfast yet, either, father.” 

“Poor child ! neither have I ; but here it comes, 
I hope,” and through the trees they could see the 
approaching horses of the relief party from the 
camp. 

They ate enough breakfast to make up for the 
lost supper, too ; and before the end of the day were 
back at the camp on the river. The next morning 
they set out for home, but through some mistake on 
the part of their guide, lost several days more on 
the way. 

It was late in the afternoon when they drew 
near to Warsaw, coming overland to the Bug river, 
and, as the Vistula came in sight, a gay scene was 
presented to their view. The water was calm and 
clear as crystal. Russian and Polish flags were 
flying from every turret of the citadel. Lining 
the river-banks on either side were thousands of 
people in bright colors. Up and down among 


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them caracoled gay knights with pennon-decked 
lances. The wide plain blossomed with the white 
tents of a great army, which, under the walls of the 
city, were drawn up in martial array, or were seen 
marching down in solid ranks of glistening armor 
to the river-front. Boats, great and small, and 
many fancy barges, filled with knights and ladies, 
soldiers and peasants, all in holiday attire, were 
clustering together toward a central spot below the 
town, while a solitary boat or two lagged behind in 
picturesque loneliness. 

“A fete ! a fete !” cried Geyza. 

“Ah ! we are just in time to be too late,” said 
Bela. 

Just then a piercing shriek rang out from be- 
low where they stood looking at this scene, and out 
from the shore darted a small, narrow boat 
containing two men and a small boy. 


CHAPTER X. 


I X ORDER that we may better comprehend the 
nature of this scene, it will he necessary to 
return to the people that we left behind in Poland, 
months before. 

Casimir, making all necessary preparations, 
led his army to the Vistula ; and set them down be- 
fore Warsaw, putting that stronghold in a state of 
siege. Assaults were made, walls demolished and 
many men slain. Attempted sorties also were re- 
pulsed ; and by J uly the place surrendered. Then 
Casimir, rebuilding the shattered walls, sent for 
his mother, sister, and other ladies of his court; 
and patiently awaited the arrival of Bela and his 
precious convoy. 

At last they came — the first installment, with 
the Princess ; and sorrow was mingled with the joy 


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they brought; yet all trusted in the well-known 
ability of Bela. They waited some time for his re- 
turn, putting off from day to day the celebration 
of the marriage. But, courtesy forbidding any 
longer delay, the wedding finally took place. 

After the ceremony was over, a great feast was 
spread, and afterwards the games commenced; 
trials of skill in running, jumping, wrestling, 
throwing of javelins, and archery; then a grand 
review upon the plain, of all the army, marching 
and countermarching before the royal party; and 
when that was over, a general gathering to the 
river to view the boat-race. Casimir and his bride 
and mother, together with Bernard and other dis- 
tinguished guests and courtiers, escorted to the 
river bank by the royal guard, entered a stately 
barge, adorned with double-seated throne, of white 
enamel, with golden arms, and draped in rich 
purple and soft ermine. Four slaves with white, 
sleeveless jerkins, purple-bordered, and gold bands 
upon their arms of ebony, held aloft on gilded poles 
a white canopy embroidered with the arms of 
Poland and of Russia. 

There was a cunningly-arranged effect as 
though a pond of water lilies floated at their feet ; 
and garlands of roses were festooned about the 
canopy and loosely reined the long lines of rowers 


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to each other ; while at either end, skilled players 
upon lute and harp, gave rhythmic motion to the 
oars, and seemed to waft them on with the music. 
Down the steep, terraced banks from the city walls 
came an excited throng of men and boys surround- 
ing the contestants of the coming race. Among 
them, with quiet mien, walked Gudrod, and beside 
him, Ludolph, talking gayly and apparently at- 
tracting the admiration of the crowd by his breadth 
of chest and large, muscular arms (they were all 
stripped to the waist), as being the probable 
champion. 

But their eyes frequently wandered to where a 
huge Franconian stalked, bearing his head high 
and boasting of certain races before the Emperor, 
where skilled boatmen from all Europe had par- 
ticipated, and where he came out the victor, while 
the poor, lifeless Saxons fell far behind. This talk 
much provoked Ludolph, for whom it was in- 
tended ; and h'e, turning carelessly toward the 
Franconian, said: 

“My most worthy Conrad, did not the Emperor 
invite thee to approach and sit by him upon his 
throne, and hold converse with thee, as to how it 
was that the Franconians found it so easy to run 
away from these same poor Saxons, on land as well 
as water? It is strange, forsooth, that so great a 


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wind-mill as thyself should go so well by water !” 
This brought the laugh on Conrad. 

“An it would not be discourteous to the King 
and Queen, I would give thee thy fill of water, 
Saxon !” 

“It would do him good to dampen his airy 
feathers somewhat/’ said a long, lithe, muscular 
figure at his side. 

“Sayest thou so, my snaky Sanudo ?” said 
Ludolph. “ ’Tis a pity ye Venetians grow no 
feathers, or ye might soar more often from your 
slimy bed, and see how heaven looks in free Ger- 
many. How comes it that thou didst escape thy 
master, Peter, to come hither ?” 

The Venetian answered nothing; but a baleful 
look darted from his eyes, and his fingers worked. 

Conrad and Sanudo had been residents in 
Stuhlweissenburg ; and, in the overturning of 
Peter’s rule, had fled northwards, with other refu- 
gees, into Poland. But they did not like the people 
that they found here, and felt plainly that it was 
not safe for them to stay much longer. In hopes, 
between them, to gain some prize-money, they had 
entered for this race, with the determination to leave 
Poland afterwards for a more congenial country. 

Each contestant had his choice of boats, which 
were of varied makes and sizes; and, while the 


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141 


irregular assortment took somewhat from the 
beauty of the start, it enabled the spectators the 
better to distinguish their favorites. 

Not a ripple stirred the water; and perfect 
silence reigned, while all eyes were directed to 
where Bernard, in the judge’s boat, held aloft a 
long, shining lance with white, fluttering pennon. 
With a quick motion he swept it to the water ; and 
the boats sprang forward amid the cheering of the 
multitude. Almost at once the Franconian took 
the lead; while, closely following him, with even, 
steady, powerful strokes, came Ludolph ; then, 
with several others, Gudrod and the Venetian. 
The latter, in a very narrow boat, seemed to make 
no exertion at all, so supple were his motions ; and 
Gudrod, with long, easy strokes, seemed resting, 
almost, at each recovery. 

Behind them followed the vast concourse of 
floats and barges filled with excited people; and 
the spectators, on the banks, shouted encourage- 
ment, and for a short space ran abreast of them. 
They turned the two-mile-stake in much the same 
order as they had started out ; save that there was 
greater distance between Conrad and those behind 
him, and that Gudrod had caught up with 
Ludolph; so had the Venetian, who was leading 
slightly ; and some stragglers had dropped out. 


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About midway between the start and turning- 
stake, on the right bank of the river, almost the 
last of the spectators, and in a low flat-boat, com- 
fortably seated, were Bela’s wife and the lady 
Bertha, with their two children, Ladislaus and 
Ordulf. Unsettled by her anxiety for Geyza’s 
safety, his mother shrank from participation in the 
festivities of the day ; but, urged by the little boys, 
who were all excitement, she had consented to at- 
tend the race, at least, in this inconspicuous way. 
Of course, the interest . of the boys centered in 
Ludolph and Gudrod ; and they were considerably 
annoyed to see the F ranconian so much in advance. 
But, having passed the stake, Ludolph — who had 
been saving his strength — anxious to make a good 
showing before his Duke’s wife, and his little pet, 
Ordulf, bent to his oars ; and, darting ahead of his 
near opponents, sang out, “Good-bye, Snoody.” 

But Sanudo was not thus to be deserted. His 
supple body swayed more rapidly; and his boat 
drew up to, and then ahead of, Ludolph’s; while 
Gudrod challenged the wonder of the watchers, in 
that he had, without apparent change in his slow, 
sweeping strokes, kept side by side with Ludolph. 
A few moments more, and the three had closed up 
the space between them and the Franconian, then 


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143 


passed him, though he struggled with all his 
might. 

As they drew near our friends, Bertha said : 

“Ah ! the generous Gudrod ; he will not try to 
win, unless Ludolph’ s chance be hopeless.” 

Ordulf could scarce contain himself ; but, 
swinging his cap, he shouted : 

“Courage, noble Ludolph !” 

And Ludolph answered : 

“Aye, my darling !” and put all his strength to 
work; but the sleek Venetian, with a scornful 
smile upon his lips, kept still the lead. 

Then the excited Lady Bertha, springing up 
by Ordulf s side, called out to Gudrod : 

“Let not the slave Italian gain the purse, Gud- 
rod; speed thee, for the honor of dear Norway!” 
(She was the daughter of Harold Greyfeld, King 
of Norway.) 

And then it was that Gudrod, bending low his 
body, quickened his marvellous stroke, and like an 
arrow shot past Sanudo ; and, amid the thundering 
shouts and roars of the admiring crowds, went on 
and on, through the thronging barges, to where his 
proud Duke stood exultant in his victory. And 
then he found his way to where the royal barge 
awaited his modest, slow approach to claim, from 
the hands of Poland’s new and beauteous Queen, 


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the laurel wreath, and, from the King, the purse; 
while the harps sounded triumphant strains of 
music. 

But, hark ! they, too, have heard that piercing, 
agonizing shriek. What means it? Hurrying 
horsemen on the east bank are soon shouting to 
them: 

“Help ! help ! Duke Bernard’s son is stolen !” 

The laurel crown falls from Gudrod’s head, 
and the purse drops from his hand to the river- 
bottom. “Way!” he almost groans; and through 
the parting crowd of boats, he sends his own once 
more. Had he rowed before ? How he flew ! and 
many others, scarce knowing what they did, were 
following him, among them the half-crazed father. 

When Sanudo recognized the fact that Gudrod 
was more than his match, he quietly dropped be- 
hind to where Conrad was still feebly working, 
blown and discomfited, and allowing all the others 
in the race to pass him ; and with the words, “Slave 
Italian,” still ringing in his ears, sore with his 
failure in the race, and smarting still from 
Ludolph’s contemptuous language, he caught hold 
of Conrad’s boat. 

“Let go, thou fool !” 

“Hist ! lovest thou the Saxon Ludolph ?” 

“As I love the plague.” 


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145 


“Yonder are the Duke’s wife and her son. 
Thou knowest how he holds the boy.” 

“As the apple of his eye. What meanest 
thou ?” 

“We have no place in this cursed land. At 
Plock, not far below upon this river, they say the 
Pagans have been gathering again in force. A 
heavy ransom would the child bring. We could 
have a good mile’s start as well ; for all are gather- 
ing to the finish. The two of us, with this light 
boat, the swiftest here for this still water ” 

“Indeed, good Sanudo, it is worth the trial; 
and ’twill well repay the Saxon Ludolph for his 
insolence.” 

So, drifting quietly to the shore, they float 
gently down to where our joyous group are gazing 
abstractedly up the river. Ordulf, holding to an 
upright pole and leaning far out to get the best 
view, sees not the boat that slowly edges up to 
them, nor does anyone else, till he finds himself 
struggling in the strong arms of Conrad, as with 
a quick pull upon the oars, Sanudo sends the 
quivering boat far out upon the water. 

The startled mother intuitively knows the dan- 
ger ; and all her soul goes out in that most thrilling 
of all cries, “Help I” While Ordulf stretches out 
his little arms to her and calls, “Mother ! mother !” 


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“Hush thy noise, or I will kill thee, Saxon 
brat!” and Conrad throws him to the bottom of 
the boat, and holds him there, terrified, with his 
fierce, glaring eyes ; then, taking the pair of oars 
that he had placed there from the other boat, he 
lends his aid; and they speed onward down the 
river. 

Where, where is help to come from ? More 
than a mile away, and the news has not yet reached 
them ; and all the brilliant rowers in the best boats 
are tired from their great exertions, when Ladis- 
laus, looking up the hank, calls out : 

“Father ! father !” and rushing up to where his 
father stands ; “O father ! — Ordulf ! — they are 
stealing Ordulf ! Save him, father !” 

The great bow bends before the strong knee; 
and the looped cord is fastened in its place. One 
more strong pull, O Sanudo ! and thy last earthly 
race is run. The whistle of the arrow, and the 
dying groan of the Venetian tell Conrad where the 
danger lies. There against the blue sky, red in 
the setting sun, stands out the tallest and the 
mightiest man in Poland, with sure death in his 
hands. 

“Ah! youngster, hither, quick, stand thus, thy 
hands upon my shoulders ; obey or die !” 

The useless oars of the Venetian are dropped 



jfatber!-©rt>ulf!— "Cbe^ are stealing ©rMilf.” — Page 14(5. 


t 


































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147 


overboard; and the boat continues on its course. 
Cunning Conrad, with thy living shield ! 

Bela’s horse has been sent forward; and the 
race, if any, must be on foot against the boat. The 
oarsman is encumbered by the boy; there may be 
a chance. Try it! try it! And he does try it. 
With mighty strides he rushes on and on. Behind 
him is a surging world of human sympathy hang- 
ing in breathless anxiety upon his motions. He 
feels them, though he does not see them; and be- 
fore him is a silent, grassy plain, and the still, cool 
evening air dashes against his face, the spray of a 
boundless sea. Onward he strains, for he is gain- 
ing. His heart beats more rapidly, and his breath 
comes short and hard, the only sound he hears in 
the deep stillness, for the soft grass is noiseless 
beneath his feet. 

And now there is an ominous ringing in his 
ears ; but he is abreast of the boat, and even pass- 
ing it. He tries to mark the possible place ahead 
where he can descend, and, wading out, take nearer 
and surer aim at the back of the oarsman, and so 
hold him with the dread of it, that he will not dare 
expose any part of himself, but rather cease to 
row; and, by this means, time be gained for the 
rescue, coming on, to overtake him, when, farther 
down the river, in the darkening twilight, he sees, 


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from his elevation, a coming fleet of vessels in war- 
like trim. Hostile they must be. His people in 
their little boats are coming on to their destruction. 
Shall he stop and warn them, and so lose all chance 
to save the child, his guest’s most priceless treas- 
ure ? All thy great physical powers which God 
hath given thee, thou hast used so well; now use 
thy mental powers ! Think, and think quickly, 
Bela ! Remember the ruffed grouse. The F ran- 
conian cannot see the vessels ; he sees only the pur- 
suit. Thy wits, thy wits, man, quick ! 

“Oooo — !” a low moan rolls like distant thun- 
der through the watching crowd behind; for his 
foot has caught close to the high bank, and down 
he rolls and pitches, falling in a helpless heap upon 
the sandy beach, limp and motionless. A cry of 
joy bursts from the Franconian; and, tossing the 
heavy boy once more into the bottom of the boat, 
he turns, and, tugging at the lifeless body of the 
Venetian, he drops the dead weight overboard; 
then with a sigh of relief he grasps the oars again. 
But horror ! as he turns his breast full to the shore, 
Bela stands erect before him, his deadly shaft 
pointing at his heart. 

“Mercy ! mercy ! for the love of Christ !” 

“Row hither, instantly !” 

Conrad obeys; but as he nears the shore, he 


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149 


sees, by a glance behind, the bow relax in Bela’s 
hand; and, giving a quick leap, he dives over- 
board ; and, swimming under water, makes for the 
other shore. Bela wastes no time on him, but 
jumps into the boat, and seizing the oars, rows 
swiftly back to meet the pursuing party and to 
warn them. 

Conrad had no sooner reached and climbed the 
other bank, than he discovered the coming fleet. 
He ran along towards them, and, wildly signalling, 
was taken up by them. He urged their instant 
attack upon the disordered Poles; but when he 
chanced to mention the return of Bela, their ardor 
cooled somewhat ; and, a consultation being called, 
they decided to withdraw; in so great awe was 
Bela’s prowess held through all that country. 

And happy were the days, and lightly flew the 
hours of the King’s honeymoon. 

While the King and his nobles divided their 
time between the gaieties of the court and the stern 
preparations for a war of extermination on the in- 
fidels ; and while the Queen was making the hours 
mark a rapid growth in the affections of her new 
friends and relatives; our little heroes and their 
guest found every day a play-day. Poor Beauty’s 
life was a sore burden to her, and she made many 
violent protests against carrying three at once; 


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with such effect, too, that the lady-mothers were 
much perplexed, when one night they came softly 
in to view their tired treasures, to find so many 
brown and blue marks upon their little plump and 
rounded limbs; and they sighed long and deeply, 
thinking how the blows, that left so deep a color 
on the soft, white skin, would every year grow 
harder, thus forging their baby limbs into the 
“Iron Arms” of war. 

But the boy’s thoughts were not cast so far 
ahead. It was Geyza’s delight to teach the others 
the art of swimming; and, though the waters of 
the Vistula were growing somewhat cool, their 
ardor overcame the chilliness. It was not long be- 
fore both the younger boys could take several 
strokes without stopping, and Geyza had become 
so expert, as to play many a prank upon them. He 
would dive at a distance, and, making his way un- 
derneath the water to where they were standing, 
grasp their legs, causing them to shriek in terror 
for the moment, not knowing what monster had 
attacked them. 

His tales of what he did, and what he saw and 
heard upon his journey to far-off Kief, were a con- 
stant treat to the others ; Hekla, also, was a never 
ceasing wonder to them, displaying his suppleness 
in all manner of contortions for their amusement. 


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151 


But when the bright days had passed away, and 
the Queen and her court prepared to return to 
Gnesen, and the King and his nobles bade farewell 
to their ladies fair; when the boys saw their 
armor-clad fathers mount and ride off in their 
pride and strength, the noblest of that warrior 
host, the glory of it and the sadness of it checked 
their boyish pranks; and a fog settled on their 
spirits. Kor was it lifted; till, arrived at Gnesen, 
the bustle of arranging the palace for the Queen’s 
occupation gave a new turn to their thoughts. 

Then it was not long before news began to come 
in from Masovia. One messenger reported the 
capture of Block; another told how, driven from 
their towns, a remnant of the Pagans had sought 
refuge in a dense forest ; and still another brought 
intelligence of how the allied forces had hemmed 
them in, and, after desperate fighting, had killed 
or captured the last surviving leaders of their 
stubborn enemy. 

And now all was expectation and preparation 
at the palace; and one noon the bugles sounded 
from the watch-towers; and later, enveloped in a 
cloud of dust, a band of cavalry swept through the 
wide-open gates, amidst the joyous acclamations of 
the populace, and up the streets to the palace, 
through the arched gate-way, into the court, they 


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galloped. From the balconies waved bright ban- 
ners, and down the steps lovely ladies sprang to 
welcome back their tired lords. The children 
crowded to their sides, and were caught up upon 
a shoulder, or taken by the hand, as all sought the 
cheerful and inviting great-hall for rest and re- 
freshment, which latter was elaborately laid out on 
heavy oaken tables, and sent its savory welcome 
out to meet them. 


CHAPTER XI. 


T HEH there was peace in Poland many years ; 

and the gentle King Casimir strove to rule 
well the people who had called him so earnestly to 
his kingdom. He sought to better their spiritual 
condition by bringing wise men from the great 
monasteries of Germany and France, and placing 
them in the large towns, where they could en- 
lighten the citizens in the knowledge of Christian- 
ity. Thanks to opportunities thus afforded, our 
two hoys spent many hours of every day in master- 
ing the Latin language; and ere long the Lady 
Gisela, with proud heart and glistening eyes, could 
show her husband such beautiful copies upon 
parchment, their own writing, as to claim his 
wonder and admiration. As the years rolled on 
his father’ s-pride was stirred within him to see the 


154 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


rapid and stately growth of his sons, and to note 
their choice language, such as comported well with 
the dignity of princes, while they talked learnedly 
of the great men of the past, and their doings. 
Since Ordulf had returned to Saxony, they had 
made such progress, that many letters now passed 
between them. One, written A. D. 1046, ran as 
follows : 

“To My Ever Dear Friend and Brother , Ordulf : 

“We are all happily well in Gnesen. Geyza 
hath grown so tall he mates the King, mine uncle ; 
and Beauty he hath given me, as he can no longer 
answer for so tall a master as my brother. It is 
a spirited charger of the Arab breed, that Uncle 
Casimir is pleased to furnish him, black as the 
night, with long, flowing mane and tail. I would 
that thou could’st see him — my gracious brother — 
as he sits astride of this new beauty like a gallant 
knight. There is no finer lord in all the court than 
he, save, always, my mighty father. 

“There is much talk about the court now, con- 
cerning the news from Hungary. Almost every 
day some one comes from over the mountains, 
bringing tidings of the discontented spirit of the 
nobles there ; and, as these people talk, my father’s 
face grows anxious and excited. They urge his re- 
turn to Hungary, as leader of a popular revolt ; but 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


155 


he ever answers, ‘No, not yet is the time ripe/ 
Geyza tells me that he waits only for word from 
the English Atheling, Edward, to go at once. He 
waits so patiently, and yet so longingly, my heart 
aches for him. 

a But, Ordulf, what a blessed thing is this 
‘Truce of God’ that the Church has instituted' 
Ever since thy departure has the holy Bishop here 
been urging the King to its adoption. He says 
that for five years has France been blessed in its 
observance; and now that thine own Germany 
acknowledges its force, the King has at last pro- 
claimed it here, and all our nobles have taken oath 
to hold it sacred. 

“My mother wishes me to express her loving 
thoughts to the Lady Bertha, being heart-glad that 
she and the little Gertrude are recovered of their 
fever. May the Lord keep ever in thy memory 
thy loving friends, both Geyza and myself. 

“Ladislatjs.'” 

Even while this youthful scholar was putting 
into Latin words these thoughts of his, so far be- 
yond a boy of his age in our day, stirring events 
were taking place in Hungary ; events which were 
to bear in their train the destiny of this gentle 
writer, and those dear ones who occupied so much 
of his letter. 


156 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


At the town of Csanad w T as gathered a crowd 
of excited men. Vatha, with a strong following, 
had set up a banner of revolt against the unpopular 
King Peter ; and, as the news spread throughout 
the land, many nobles, with their knights and fol- 
lowers, came flocking to the scene, until the town 
became a vast camp. Many minds agitated thtf 
different leaders, in their attempts to organize, as 
to what they should demand. In one quarter a 
motley crowd surged round a rough orator, cheer- 
ing him as he harangued with hitter invectives 
against the unpatriotic King, who could so enslave 
his country to the German Emperor. 

“Look at him, the cowardly dandy! See him 
crawl to Henry’s feet, and beg him for a smile ! 
He would shine before the ladies of the Empire, 
would he ? The Holy Koman Empire ! — holy, for- 
sooth! Whose is the crown, and whose the lance 
that this thieving King has taken from the treasure 
house of Hungary to buy a station at the German 
court, a shackle for his country ? Shall Hungary 
bend her knee to rock this baby for his foster- 
mother ? Out with him forever !” 

And from the cheering crowd came cries of 
“Vatha, give us Vatha!” “Where is Andrew? 
send for Andrew !” “Bela, the mighty Bela !” 
“Death to Peter!” “Down with the Koyal Pal- 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


157 


ace !” “Burn Stuhlweissenburg, we want no 
kings !” “Down with the priests !” “Ho ! no !” 
“Liberty ! liberty !” “Burn the churches \” And, 
had it not been for the sudden arrival of a large 
body of knights, proclaiming a council meeting of 
the nobles in the citadel, blood might have been 
shed ; so high ran the spirit of the different 
factions. 

In the assembly soon convened greater order 
reigned. Each noble felt the great responsibility 
that rested with him ; for there was no one higher 
than the other here to bear it. Each man’s word 
had weight ; and all Hungary would watch the bal- 
ances. Many rose and spoke and all deplored the 
traitorous action of the King. Some advised wait- 
ing on the King in force, and compelling him to 
withdraw his act of enfeoffment to the Emperor, 
and to establish certain salutary laws. Others as- 
serted that no faith could be placed in Peter ; and 
that such overtures, if successful, would result in 
only temporary good ; they, rather, urged the long- 
forgotten claim of Andrew to the crown, and in- 
stanced the strength of character which the two 
brothers had shown in the countries where they 
had taken refuge. 

Why should they not recall these great-grand- 
sons of Toxun, whose strength and wisdom they so 


158 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


sorely needed? Some one counselled the abolish- 
ment of Christianity, as the cause of all the evil; 
hut the greater portion of the nobles sprang in- 
stantly to their feet, and indignantly silenced the 
presumptuous Pagan as well as those who had ap- 
plauded him. Yatha immediately rose, and in 
vehement language urged the recall of Andrew, as 
their King, and asked that he and his force might 
be deputed to accomplish the dethronement of 
Peter, and the occupation of Stuhlweissenburg in 
preparation for the coming of their new King. 

The embodiment of action, he succeeded in 
gaining their consent to this proposition, and, wait- 
ing no longer on their deliberations, was soon on 
his way across the great plains to the broad 
Danube, followed by a mass of violent and blood- 
thirsty men intent on plunder and destruction, and 
held in check only by the fiercer spirit of their wild 
leader. 

Skilfully had he tested the feeling of the assem- 
bly; and wisely had he restrained his Pagan im- 
pulses, until he had gained more power ; but now, 
should the gods favor him, he would soon hold the 
situation in his hand. 

At Stuhlweissenburg they found the gates 
opened to them by the affrighted citizens, and soon 
the streets were thronged with men hastening to 


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159 


the palace; but here they were doomd to disap- 
pointment, for the bird had flown. Yatha needed 
all the energy at his command to keep his savage 
horde from sacking the place; and much destruc- 
tion had been accomplished, and the palace had 
even been fired, before order was secured. The 
flames were subdued, and a party sent out in pur- 
suit of the fugitive King. He was found at last 
in Zamur, and dragged back in triumph and deri- 
sion to his capital. Here Yatha bound him with 
strong cords, upon his throne, and put his royal 
robe upon him, and a crown upon his head, and 
fastened in his hand a lance like that which he had 
given to the Emperor; then he faced and mocked 
him. 

“Hail, mighty and puissant King! — cats-paw 
of the Christian Pope, puppet of the German Em- 
peror ! What would’st thou have now from the 
treasury? Thou hast taken gold and steel already; 
now mayest thou feel the iron of the nation that 
thou would’st betray ! Ho, there ! fetch ye the 
irons, that his eyes may gloat upon them.” 

From the crowd two men stepped forward, 
dragging after them heavy chains and manacles; 
and then two others followed, bearing between 
them a forge containing red-hot coals and branding 
irons. At this point a violent shudder shook the 


160 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


frame of the unhappy King; and great beads of 
sweat broke out upon his face and neck; but he 
uttered not a word. His dark eyes were fixed on 
those of Yatha in proud defiance, but his lips were 
sealed. 

“Ha! haughty Venetian! thinkest thou thine 
eyes can make a conquest here ? I am no woman 
to melt beneath such glances. Curse thee, little 
man ! canst find no pleasanter countenance to look 
upon than mine ? Canst see a shadow of weak 
pity in my soul, that thou should’ st gaze so con- 
stantly on me ? Ho ! not for thee, sleek devil that 
thou art! Here, Yratislaf ! Black out the light 
from yonder evil eyes forever !” 

A fierce attendant seized a red-hot iron from 
the forge, and started forward in obedience to his 
chief, but hesitated, in unconscious admiration of 
the courage of the King, whose eyes wavered not in 
their steadfast gaze on Yatha. Their intense 
glare unnerved that superstitious Pagan. En- 
raged, he sprang on Yratislaf and tore the iron 
from his hand, hissing, “ Woman heart,” between 
his teeth, and would have done the deed himself — 
when lo ! above the throne towered a majestic form 
with deep-sunken eyes and upraised arm. 

The spirit of the Mighty Dead again disarmed 
the cruel chieftan. His limbs trembled beneath 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


161 


him ; and, muttering, “Why comest thou to daunt 
me ?” he drew slowly back, step by step, before the 
terrifying vision that only he could see, leaving his 
minions to complete without him the cruel torture 
of blinding the dethroned King. Let us leave to 
them the spectacle of his agony, thankful that such 
cruelty has long since ceased to be in Hungary. 

A few days after Peter’s . blinding and 
imprisonment, Yatha held a council of the nobles 
present, which chanced to be mostly his friends and 
sympathizers; and brought before them the relig- 
ious question, claiming in his opening address that 
Christianity in its very essence was a yoke upon 
the national freedom, and that its head, the Pope, 
would always drive them at his will. The only 
one who had courage to oppose him was the Athel- 
ing, Edward. He called attention to the glorious 
reign of Stephen, the most Christian King of the 
age; to that tower of national strength, the great 
Canute, whose Christianity had protected in its 
liberties every country that he governed. 

“Aye!” sneered Yatha, “was it his Christian- 
ity or his kinsman’s Pagan Humanity that saved 
thy puny life ?” 

“I deny that it was Christianity which 
prompted Canute to destroy me and my brother. 
It was rather the lack of faith, a dire inheritance 


162 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


of his Pagan father, Sweyn. Ho ! Christianity is 
synonymous with true liberty and national honor.” 

“How much of national honor has the Christ- 
ian Peter? How much, the German Emperor, 
Henry, who seeks to crush the liberty of Hungary 
at any cost ?” 

“I fear that Peter wore religion but as a cloak. 
The Emperor knows not the needs of Hungary. 
He sees but anarchy or misrule among the people’s 
party, and counts, as legitimate, the successor of 
King Stephen.” 

“ ’Tis plain to see thy sympathies are German. 
O, my countrymen ! beware the seductions of an 
alien, an exiled Englishman, whose wife is kins- 
woman to the German Emperor ! Let us cast our 
hopes upon the great-grand-sons of that mighty 
conqueror, Duke Toxun, and walk free, once more, 
in the religion in which he grew up, acknowledg- 
ing the gods who brought us to this fair country, 
and who have kept us supreme in it against all ene- 
mies. There is naught better for me than the 
glorious faith of my ancestors !” 

These words, and many more, stirred up the 
assembly to such enthusiasm, that they agreed 
unanimously to offer the crown to Andrew or to 
Bela, whichever would swear to restore the ancient 
worship. Edward, fearing trouble for himself and 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


163 


family, also dreading lest Bela should be entrapped 
into the plans of Vatha and his party, hurriedly 
left the capital, with his wife, Agatha, and daugh- 
ter, Edith, and fled to Poland. When Vatha 
learned of Edward’s flight and his destination, he 
dispatched his ambassadors, in all haste, to Bela; 
expert and trusty men they were, to whom he gave 
minute instructions calculated to mislead Bela as 
to the religious issue (leaving that to be treated 
of when he came among them), and such as should 
throw suspicion on the loyalty of Edward, and 
give discredit to his testimony. 


CHAPTER XII. 

L ATE one cold and blustering day in Decem- 
ber, of the year 104G, Edward, with his 
family and attendants, sought admission at the 
gates of Gnesen. Struck by the noble aspect of the 
traveller, as well as by the beauty of the ladies, the 
obsequious warden dispatched one of his men to 
announce their arrival to the King; and, leaving 
others in charge of his post, took upon himself the 
agreeable duty of escorting them to the palace. He 
was a somewhat pompous little fellow, and labored 
diligently to express the dignity and hospitality of 
the town to these foreign guests, craving pardon 
for the inclemency of the weather, as though it 
were manufactured there in Gnesen; and, when 
the tired horse which bore the young and lovely 
daughter of the Atheling stumbled, because of 


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165 


some loose stones in the pavement, apologies rolled 
out like gravel from a dump-cart. It was a shame ! 
an outrage ! The neglect, the carelessness of the 
town officials ! He blushed for his town, his coun- 
try, that so fair a guest should he so rudely 
shaken! He begged piteously for their forgive- 
ness, and assured them, with many a pompous wav- 
ing of the arms, and deep muffled tones intended 
to he solemn, that the King would certainly im- 
prison the guilty man or men. The ladies, though 
weary with their journey, were so amused they 
could scarce restrain their smiles. 

So it was in a very merry mood indeed that 
they entered the palace court. It chanced that 
Geyza and his father had just returned from an 
afternoon ride about the town; and a moment’s 
glance discovered the two friends to each other. 
In another instant they were locked in a warm 
embrace. Edward then presented his wife and 
daughter, which latter blushed rosy red, as Bela 
said: 

“My dear Edward, thy gentle heart, thy 
kingly birth, thy steadfast love, have blossomed to 
the full in this fair flower. Geyza, where art thou, 
lad? Come hither. This, Edward, is my first 
horn.” 

“Thou art happy,” said Edward, as he took the 


166 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


boy’s hands between his own and held them there, 
“in that thou favorest, in form and mien, so gal- 
lant a knight and gentleman as thy father.” 

Geyza hung his head in bashful silence, con- 
fused by praise so flattering in his ears, made 
doubly precious as coming from one whom he had 
been taught to love and admire. The Lady Agatha 
came to his relief by a gracious request that she 
might avail herself of his assistance in dismount- 
ing; and then plunged him once more into a per- 
fect tangle of awkwardness, by suggesting that he 
do the like service for her daughter, Edith. He 
had seen many beautiful young girls, but never one 
so like a delicate wild flower, so fair and fragile, 
with eyes like mid-summer skies. His arms felt 
and acted like those of a toy jumping- jack ; and he 
would have been as likely to take her by the feet, 
to help her down, as not. But she, not waiting 
for him, leaped lightly down herself, with a 
modest “Thank you, Sir Knight,” for his good in- 
tentions, which so completely bewildered the poor 
boy, he was fain to let his father do the honors for 
them both. 

As Bela conducted the party up the broad 
steps and into the great hall, the bashful lad held 
the bridle of Edith’s horse, and gazed abstractedly 
after them, his heart beating wildly with mingled 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


167 


emotions of admiration for the ladies, and shame 
for his own awkwardness. He had hitherto felt 
the unconscious ease of a full-grown man; had 
taken the oath of the “Truce of God” together with 
his father and the other nobles; and considered 
himself a knight, par excellence , and a gracious 
gentleman, trained in all the delicate attentions to 
the ladies of the court, and the pride of his mother 
and the Queen. The tears started to his eyes, as 
he felt now how youthful he was — quite a hoy still. 
He wandered off with the horses as the attendants 
led them away, reluctant to show himself again, 
and still longing to get another peep at the fair 
maiden whose wondrous beauty, of the Anglo- 
Saxon type, was so strangely enchanting to him. 

Soon he heard his brother’s voice. “Geyza, O 
Geyza ! where art thou ?” and Ladislaus, running 
up to him in breathless haste, exclaimed, “O 
brother ! hast thou seen them ? The English Ed- 
ward ! — and, Geyza, the be — autifullest girl ! 
lovely golden hair, and deep, blue eyes, and cheeks 
so soft and white — O my! Just come in and see 
for thyself, dear brother.” And so the two went 
in together, and joined the animated group about 
the great-hall fire, and looked and listened, while 
the Atheling told them of the exciting scenes en- 
acted at Stuhlweissenburg. 


168 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


The vandal-like nature of Yatha’s actions, and 
the pitiable torture of Peter, together with the 
Pagan’s words in council, had turned Edward’s in- 
terest against the popular movement. This he 
showed plainly as the tale progressed. He said 
little about Yatha’s plans, as regarded Andrew 
and Bela, however ; for he desired a more private 
interview with his friend upon that subject. This 
was postponed, necessarily, till the following day. 
Before a good opportunity offered the next day, 
noon had come, bringing with it Yatha’s embassy 
to Bela. Much time was spent in the ceremonious 
interview, by the addresses of the several ambas- 
sadors, Bela’s questions, and the slow and studious 
answers. 

One of the party, seizing an opportunity when 
Edward was not present, stated that it gave him 
sore displeasure to abide the presence of the Eng- 
lishman who had been such a devoted partisan of 
Peter and the Pope and the German Emperor as 
well, whose kinswoman he had married ; and that 
he was accredited with being the most skilful dip- 
lomatist in all Europe; it was rumored, indeed, 
that Henry III. had bargained with him for the 
possession of Hungary through his machinations, 
for which he would aid him to make good his claim 
upon the English crown. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


169 


This accusation Bela resented hotly; and the 
aged speaker pressed it no farther than to crave 
pardon for having given vent to feelings that 
stirred so deeply every patriotic heart in Hungary. 
Bela took it for granted, considering what Edward 
had so far told him, that his visit had been planned 
purposely to enjoy this, his friend’s recall from 
exile, in his presence; and so, in order that he 
might receive the congratulations of his dearest 
friend, he asked permission to retire before giving 
an answer to the embassy. 

It was then late in the day and growing dark ; 
and he found Edward impatiently pacing one of 
the long porches that faced the court. The pale 
moon, struggling through the clouds, threw a 
ghastly light upon the pavement where he strode 
to and fro, and disclosed an agitation in the Athel- 
ing which, coupled with the want of the enthusias- 
tic rush of glad sympathy he had anticipated, 
clouded Bela’s soul with strange doubts, and 
brought the question to his trembling lips : 

“Hast no joyful word for me, my more than 
brother ?” 

“O Bela, Bela! God grant thee strength to 
grapple with this so great temptation.” 

“How meanest thou, temptation ? Is there any 
one who has better right than I and my brother 


170 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


Andrew, to stand watch over the destinies of a peo- 
ple whose hearts heat with the same life blood as 
our own? Thou hast listened to their call; what 
hinders ? Speak, man ! Thou hast held me on the 
rack for many years ; why hold me longer ?” 

A pained look came over Edward’s face, as he 
answered gently : 

“Patience, patience, my dear brother; thou 
need’st to wait but very little longer.” 

“Patience! patience! and again, patience! O 
man, I am sick to death of this word, patience ! I 
tell thee, Edward, thou must not bar this gate 
against me, too ! The barrier thou hast built to 
curb the mountain torrent has piled the waters up 
to such a height, there is no longer strength against 
the pressure ; and but now the voices of my coun- 
trymen have started such a rift, ’tis useless to give 
warning; naught can mend the break or stem the 
flood. Yea! my soul has soared so high upon the 
wings of hope in the last hour, that it can see be- 
yond the mountains; and I hear the beating of 
thousands of Hungarian hearts that have waited 
so long and patiently a wise and loyal ruler. The 
cloud upon thy face hangs like a mask before thee. 
O, Edward ! thou art like a heavy stone upon the 
tomb of all my hopes. And must I roll thee from 
my heart, my friend, or else be false to Hungary ?” 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


171 


“O Bela ! better, far better to be false to Hun- 
gary than false to God !” 

“Then it is true — oh shameful thought ! — that 
thou hast placed first in thy heart the Latin Pope ? 
How hast thou torn thy mask away! O my poor 
country, thou needest me indeed! And I will go 
to thee; nor false friend, nor secret foe shall stay 
me!” 

“Hay! Bela, do not so misconceive me!” and 
Edward, placing a hand upon each shoulder of his 
excited friend, gazed steadily into his eyes and 
said, “Take counsel of thy noblest nature; let no 
ungenerous doubt cloud thy souks vision, while I 
explain to thee the reasons — reasons, which, re- 
member, thou hast not let me tell thee yet — that 
should make thee send refusal to this Pagan 
Vatha.” 

“Thou art all reasons, never action!” said 
Bela, drawing back from the calm gaze of the 
Atheling. 

Edward, letting his hands drop from the repel- 
lent shoulders, and for the first time impatient, 
replied, “And thou art all nervous action without 
reason.” 

“Beason enough to dread the subtle threads of 
argument by which thou seekest to bind me to in- 
action.” 


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“Thou canst not love a friend, and doubt him 
so!” 

“!No friend would seek to feed a hungry soul 
with such straw-like prejudices.” 

“Bela, thou art mad to-night ! Hast thou for- 
gotten that thou art a Christian ?” 

“No ! nor that thou art in close connection 
w T ith Hungary’s enemy, the German Emperor ; nor 
that other friends and brothers have sold their 
honor for the love of power.” 

Edward’s face grew pale with suppressed 
anger; and yet he checked the impulse to retort, 
until he could make one more effort. 

“Bela, in thy soul thou knowest that thou 
wrong’ st me ; but thou hast said that I was all rea- 
sons, never action ; hear me now ; thou shalt not 
give thine answer to these heathen, until the night 
has had time to cool thy passion.” 

“Shalt not ! Who will stay me ?” 

“I will.” 

“Ha ! and how ?” 

“A Christian King commands here; and the 
King hath reason.” 

“Thou hast charmed the King, then, with thy 
fatal magic ? O false friend ! false friend ! too 
long hast thou been playing with my destiny ; thou 
shalt play with it no longer! Draw and defend 



“la&islaus rusbefc out upon tbc porcb ano in between tbem.” 
- Page 173. 












The Hungarian Exiles. 


173 


thyself ; for know that, now the lion in my breast 
is free, no power on earth or in heaven can keep me 
from my country !” 

He had shaken Edward from him, in his pas- 
sionate outburst, and had unsheathed his sword 
with the blind impulse of rage, as had Edward 
also, now all his patience gone ; when Ladislaus 
rushed out upon the porch and in between them, 
crying : 

“Father, father! Knowest thou not *tis 
Wednesday Eve ?” 

The white face of the boy and his startled eyes 
held them both for a moment spell-bound; and in 
upon the hushed stillness broke the solemn tolling 
of the Vesper bells. Ashen pale, the father sank 
slowly to his knees ; and, moaning, “The Truce of 
God! the Truce of God!” he crossed his naked 
sword upon his breast; and in low tones besought 
forgiveness for his almost broken vow. As anger 
had carried them to one extreme, so now deep con- 
trition followed on the relaxation of their pas- 
sions; and insensibly, as by the hand of God, the 
great mountain of doubt which fierce words had 
heaped up between their souls, was “removed and 
cast into the sea.” A few loving, gentle words of 
explanation, faithfully accepted, made their minds 


174 


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as one upon the question as to which way wisdom 
pointed. 

The next morning Bela quietly but firmly dis- 
missed the embassy, saying : 

“Tell your master that his invitation is most 
agreeable to the exile Bela ; that to return to Hun- 
gary has been the dream of his life ; but, knowing 
of the Pagan tendencies that ruled the partial 
council, under the domination of its leader, he 
could not accept so equivocal a call. When the 
Christian nobles of Hungary send for me I will 
come. I love my country; hut, only when Christ 
calls, can I follow !” 


CHAPTER XIII. 


E VERYBODY was looking forward to the fast- 
approaching Feast of the Nativity, for King 
Casimir had promised an elaborate celebration of 
this festival. There were to he games and mum- 
mers and a great feast upon Christmas-eve. Par- 
ties were sent out into the surrounding forests to 
gather greens ; and the ladies were merrily-busy 
binding them in long garlands for the decoration 
of the great-hall. Our two boys were everywhere, 
and into everything. They especially delighted in 
the search for the mistletoe, climbing trees in a 
most reckless way to procure it. They made the 
sombre forest ring with their excited shouting, 
whenever a particularly fine bunch was discovered. 
The cold, bracing air brought the red blood to their 
cheeks, and the sparkle to their eyes. They would 


176 


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chase and tussle with each other, knee-deep in the 
fallen leaves, whose every rustle was music to their 
ears ; hide from the hounds behind the trees and 
bushes, and startle each other and the men with 
many a “boo !” in unexpected places. The great 
sledges, heaped up with boughs of fir and cedar, 
masses of holly, ivy, myrtle, and the wild juniper, 
were seized upon, as chariots, by the boys; and a 
fine picture they made, indeed, as they were driven 
into the palace court, throned in triumphal state, 
their bright-red tunics in relief against the deep- 
green background, like wood-sprites embowered in 
glistening holly and the misty-green and purple 
juniper. Nor was it surprising that the happy 
mother and the Lady Agatha and shy Edith, com- 
ing out to welcome them, should have thought them 
handsomer than any forest fairies ever were ; and 
that the elder ladies, anyway, should have claimed 
the privilege, in advance of the season, which the 
mistletoe conferred. 

At last, December 24th arrived with a deep 
fall of snow ; and, as the sun sank low in the hori- 
zon, up the long street which approached the pal- 
ace from the east, the red rays of the sun full 
ablaze upon them, came a gay cavalcade in slow 
and majestic march. Twenty trumpeters preceded 
in glittering, silver armor, on snow-white chargers, 


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177 


blue silken streamers fluttering from their long, sil- 
ver trumpets, and adorned with wide, blue scarfs 
of silk about their bodies. Their tall helmets were 
crowned with white ostrich-plumes, and their 
horses gaily pranced and curvetted about, as they 
approached. Behind them followed, in close and 
massive order, an hundred knights in golden 
armor and on large and powerful, jet-black steeds. 
The tall, golden lances, tipped with brilliant steel, 
shone in the sun like a forest of golden icicles ; and 
massive plumes of black w T aved, like a cloud, upon 
their helmets. 

Then came a huge float bearing a great, purple- 
covered throne between two good-sized spruce- 
trees, which were laden with strings of bright red 
and yellow apples, cranberries, peppers, and 
raisins, as well as many bright and curious decora- 
tive baubles. Seated upon the throne was a vast 
Titan, dressed in green and possessed of half-a- 
dozen arms, all of which were busy plucking the 
fruits and casting them among the scrambling mul- 
titude. I am afraid that some of the lads were just 
as greedy as they are to-day, and got the lion’s 
share by rough pushing; but many a laugh was 
raised at those who secured the peppers, which 
caused much good-natured pelting of each other 
with that strong-scented fruit. 


178 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


ISText came fifty small lads in red robes, and 
steel helmets with red-winged ornaments, drawn 
in as many golden chariots, each by four dappled 
ponies. Behind them were a body-guard of fifty 
blackamoors in bright yellow dress and turbans, 
carrying shining cimeters over their shoulders, and 
mounted upon coal-black Arab horses. Behind 
them came a very pandemonium let loose; bears, 
lions, tigers, griffins, dragons, pigs, cows, donkeys, 
all cavorting on their hind legs and making hide- 
ous noises, but devouring no one; popes, priests, 
cardinals, kings, queens, clowns, fools, imps, and 
devils dancing hand in hand as though they never 
had disagreed, and never would disagree with each 
other. 

Such a procession, Edith and the boys had 
never seen before ; and, noticing the rather fearful 
shrinking of the former, as the motley throng drew 
near, Geyza took her hand, and, drawing her near 
to him, whispered gallantly that she must not 
fear, for he would let naught harm her. The sol- 
diers, boys, horses, and chariots were swallowed 
up by the great archway of the palace-gate; the 
giant of the float, which had been left at some dis- 
tance, dissolved before their eyes, and became a 
number of stout butchers in a pyramid of tubs, who 
immediately commenced to defend themselves with 


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179 


poles and peppers against an assault of the mum- 
mers, who rushed at them from all sides and plied 
them heartily with snow-halls; while the whole 
lively scene was lit up by four great bonfires, one 
at each corner of the square before the palace. 
Through the rain of white balls and red peppers 
could be seen the awkward cows and griffins, pigs 
and donkeys, striving to climb upon the float, 
tripped up and hurled heels-over-head among 
majestic kings and bishops; and many a devil left 
his tail behind him in a butcher’s hands. 

Finally, however, the peppers were exhausted, 
the poles taken from the defendants, and the place 
capitulated. The two spruce-trees were taken 
from the float, dragged by the crowd through the 
gate-way and planted at one end of the great hall. 
The knights and ladies now assembled in the bal- 
conies and on the stairways of the hall to watch 
still farther the antics of the mummers who cov- 
ered the floor below them. The vast room was 
hung with numberless festoons of greens; and 
gilded emblems, wreathed in holly and cedar, 
adorned the walls; while rows upon rows, pyra- 
mids, and suspended cones of candles, made the 
place as light as day. The mock-king or “Lord of 
Misrule,” as he was afterwards called, held his 
court near a large fire which was built upon the 


180 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


hearth in the center of the room, and sent a column 
of smoke up to the high vaulted roof, there to find 
exit through open windows. 

At a certain signal from the Lord of Misrule, 
the trumpeter at his side sounded a call, and quiet 
fell upon the crow T d, as out from a door came four 
black hears dragging a wagon canopied with ever- 
green ; each bear was ridden by a fairy sprite with 
fleecy golden wings, who guided him with a silver 
wand across the floor to the foot of the throne. 

“What hast thou there ?” roared the great, fat, 
jolly Lord. 

“May it please Your Majesty, they be many 
and strange parcels,” said a long, lank, green liz- 
ard, “and methinks they bear certain characters 
writ upon them.” 

“Read them, Sir Lizard, read them out.” 

“Ray, Your Majesty, excuse me, for I have a 
cold — a — hem !” 

“He ! he ! he can’t read !” shrieked a pig. 

“Then read thou, Sir Pig.” 

“Oh — ah — Your Majesty, I know not the lan- 
guage.” 

“LIo, there !” shouted the Lord, “let the herald 
proclaim, my daughter’s hand and half my king- 
dom to him who will read what is here writ.” 

The herald, a tall, black raven, stepped for- 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


181 


ward, blew a long horn and repeated the proclama- 
ation. There was a bustle in the crowd near a door 
through which a large, serious-looking owl had 
entered; and, as they made way for him, he 
strutted forward to the throne, stiffly bent one knee, 
and then, turning to the wagon, flapped his wings, 
and shouted, “To whoo ! to whoo !” At this Ladis- 
laus laughed outright a merry peal; and lo! the 
owl seized a package in his beak, and, with a quick 
jerk tossed it into the boy’s lap where he sat in the 
balcony. 

“Why, it has my name upon it,” cried Ladis- 
laus, “how strange !” 

At this the Lord of Misrule clapped his hands ; 
and, descending from his throne, solemnly placed 
a crown upon the owl’s head, and led him to a seat 
beside his own. Then a bright-red flamingo came 
stalking in, followed by half a dozen boys in page’s 
costume of green, whom he kept busy running here 
and there with packages as he called the names. 
Before long each one of the company was supplied 
with a gift. These consisted, mostly, of gold and 
silver ornaments, clothing or fancy cakes. 

Geyza received a silver mug which his now- 
feeble grand-mother had been saving for him many 
years, an heirloom which had belonged at one time 
to Charlemagne ; and, from its peculiar engraving, 


182 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


it must have been a Spanish relic, gathered pos- 
sibly by Charles Martel from the Moorish camp 
on the battlefield of Tours ; for on it was the name 
of Roderick, the last Gothic King of Spain. 

Ladislaus was enchanted with his gift, which 
was a beautiful copy of the Gospel of St. Matthew, 
richly ornamented; while Edith was made more 
than happy by a ring which was one of the sacred 
relics of England — one which her father had upon 
his person, when he was carried off from home; 
and which he had been told belonged to the lovely 
Editha, wife of King Alfred the Great. 

While all were engaged in examination of 
their presents, the mummers retired, and long 
tables were brought in; and then, preceded by a 
procession of court officers, headed by the Lord of 
Misrule, came in, on a mighty silver salver borne 
high above their heads by two strong chief-butlers, 
a glorious, smoking boar’s-head bedecked with 
sprigs of holly. The company were then seated; 
and soon the tables groaned with meats, game, fish, 
soups, and fancy dishes ; and the feast began. The 
servants fairly flew around, conveying morsels of 
this, that and the other to the hungry people, who 
seemed, oddly enough, not to miss the absent forks, 
spoons, and napkins. There was much laughing 
and bantering talk about the board ; and I fear too 


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183 


much wine consumed to suit our present notions 
of decorum. But at a late hour the ruins of the 
feast were borne away, and the floor cleared once 
more for lively games of “tag,” and “hide-and- 
seek,” and “blind-man’s-buff.” A little before 
midnight there was a loud pounding at one of the 
doors ; and the Lord of Misrule, when silence was 
obtained, demanded who was there. 

“A child of the forest,” came the answer. 

“Enter, child, and welcome.” 

The door flew open; and twenty strong men 
dressed in green came, pulling in behind them an 
immense Yule-log. A child, indeed ! It must 
have been a thousand years old ; possibly a tender 
oak-shoot when the Babe of Bethlehem was born; 
and now cut down to add its testimony to the 
Saviour’s birth. Ladislaus was lifted up on to the 
monster at the door ; and waving a branch of holly 
in his hands, kept on and kept his balance, until 
they reached the fire in the center ; when, jumping 
down, he lent his little might to roll it in. The hot 
fire was almost smothered by the load of this green, 
northern monster ; even as the Teuton race had, in 
its ignorance years before, almost smothered 
Christianity. But the heat was too fierce below to 
die. The log hissed and sizzled ; and dense, black 
clouds of smoke arose on every side; soon loud 


184 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


snapping told how the warmth was entering the 
pores, how the fibres of the wood, before expan- 
sion’s wedge, were opening out a way to the cold 
heart within. Brighter and fiercer grew the 
flames; louder did they roar, and higher did they 
leap ; brilliant sparks sailed up in the smoke-clouds 
to the vaulted roof ; and soon the whole log was one 
glowing glory, sending its voice to heaven and its 
light abroad. And the bells of the city, outside, 
answered, peal on peal; and Christmas Day was 
come ! 

All at once were heard children’s sweet voices 
chanting, " Gloria in Excelsis Deo and again its 
antiphon, “On earth peace, good will toward men.” 
Then the whole company of men and women pres- 
ent lent their glad voices, “We praise Thee, we 
bless Thee, we worship Thee, we give thanks to 
Thee for Thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly 
King, God the Father Almighty.” 

And, when the Archbishop chanted solemnly, 
“O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, 
that takest away the sins of the world,” all the peo- 
ple answered, “Have mercy upon us;” and so on 
to the end of that father of all Christmas carols. 

For some time they watched the fire, their 
thoughtful faces reflecting the red glow, and softly 
talking to each other, how that the Light of the 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


185 


world was born this day ; and no one but Edward 
noticed a peculiar look of unrest in Bela’s eyes. 

“What weighs upon thy spirits, this glad 
Christmas, brother ; is aught amiss ?” 

“Nothing, and yet I feel a dread presentiment, 
a sinking of the heart — I know not what. Ed- 
ward, thinkest thou that all is well in Hungary ?” 

What “Israfil” was straying from his post in 
Bela’s paradise? And could it be the rush of 
warning angel’s wings that set his heart’s chords 
vibrating with fear, on this fair night, when all 
Christendom was harking to the “tidings of great 

joy ?” 

Satan slept not ; for at his instigation, even at 
that moment, a great Yule-log of hate and preju- 
dice was being rolled upon the hearth-fires of that 
devoted people, crushing out the light and life of 
Christianity, and sending up a lowering cloud of 
smoke from church and chapel, way-side shrine 
and proud cathedral. Under the rule of King 
Casimir, all was holy peace in Poland here; but, 
just beyond the mountains to the south, beneath 
the rule of anarchy, raged the abomination of 
desolation. 


CHAPTER XIV. 


V ATHA, having been informed that Andrew 
was on his way to Hungary in response to the first 
call from Csanad, had started out to meet him, 
with such followers as he could trust to support 
him in obtaining the desired pledge from Andrew, 
that he would restore the ancient worship. They 
met in Munkacks about the middle of December. 
Andrew was received with every mark of honor 
and distinction by his country-men; and, after a 
welcoming feast, he dismissed his Russian escort, 
and proceeded on his way to the capital, sur- 
rounded by Vatha and his attendants, and all un- 
conscious of that noble’s plans concerning him. 

They had not completed their first day’s jour- 
ney before they came across a way-side shrine, 


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187 


having been artfully led that way by Vatha’s 
orders. Here Andrew halted to do reverence. 
An angry murmur rolled like distant thunder 
through the ranks ; and Andrew, startled, turned 
to Yatha for an explanation. 

u Their hearts are sore from too much oppres- 
sion by the Papal power. They can abide no 
longer the Christian yoke.” 

“What meanest thou ? Christ’s yoke is easy 
for the believing soul.” 

“Aye, The believing soul’ — thou sayest well 
The believing soul’ — but Hungary contains few 
such bondsmen now. The direful spell is broken ; 
and our souls are free, once more, to worship as 
our mighty grandsires did.” 

“ ’Tis impossible ! thou art raving, man ! Ho 
good can come from such an attitude before thy 
future King. As a Christian, I must needs repri- 
mand thee for thy words.” 

“As a Christian, if thou choosest so to be, thou 
mayest; but — harken;” and he drew him to one 
side and whispered, “It is unsafe for any one who 
would be King to reprimand the righteous wrath 
of those who alone can make him so. I have all 
love and honor for thee and thy house ; but only as 
supporter of the ancient worship, canst thou gain 
the crown.” 


188 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


“Never, never, can I forswear my faith so! 
Nor will I go another step with these apostates, 
unless they bend repentant knees before this 
shrine.” 

In his indignation he spoke so loud that all 
heard him. With a grim smile upon his face, one 
huge fellow stepped forward ; and, saying, “Thus 
do I bend the knee to all despotism,” struck down 
the little crucifix with his battle-ax; another and 
another joined in the fierce sacrilege, and soon the 
tall, wooden cross which crowned the edifice was 
hurled prostrate to the earth, and spit and trodden 
on. Andrew stood aghast at this wild onslaught, 
so horrified he could not speak. 

Then one Zapolya, raising his hand com- 
manded silence, and thus addressed the recalled 
exile : 

“We have called thee, Andrew, in hopes that 
thou would’ st be to us a King, not bound by for- 
eign ties or prejudices, but devoted to the interests 
of thy people. We know that the Roman Creed 
has cast its shadow upon thee, as it has upon us all ; 
but we hope and trust that true love of country 
will break down the prison-wall which this hated 
religion has built about thine eyes, that thou 
may’st see the nations sorrow and humiliation, and 
lead us on, as thy great ancestors have done before, 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


189 


to independent power and happiness. What 
sayest thou ? All Hungary is at thy feet, an thou 
standest upon this fallen cross in sympathy with 
her children.” 

“Never can I wear a crown in such a cause!” 
said Andrew, pale with suppressed emotion. 

“Thy brother, Bela, would not so refuse to 
serve his country” said Yatha. 

“ ’Tis false !” — It was the sturdy mountaineer 
Almos, who so spoke out in Bela’s vindication. He 
had but just arrived upon the scene; and, compre- 
hending at a glance how the matter stood, had 
forced his way to the front in time to answer this 
insidious speech of Yatha’s. — “Thy brother has 
too great a soul to truckle to such dastard consel- 
lors.” He would have said more, and enlightened 
Andrew as to the schemes of Yatha, but his arms 
were pinioned to his side by rough and powerful 
men ; and he was borne struggling away. 

This gave Andrew some encouragement; and 
he said : 

“Neither do I believe my brother would take 
the crown upon such terms.” 

The nobles of the party were growing restive 
under the irritation caused by this delay in acced- 
ing to their wishes ; and one sneeringly replied : 

“Thinkest thou that royal blood flows only in 
the veins of Michael’s grandsons ?” 


190 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


“Aye !” shouted another, “give us a King 
whose heart is Hungary’s, not Home’s and from 
somewhere in the now excited crowd came cries of, 
“Vatha ! give us Vatha !” 

Thought is more swift than light, sometimes; 
for, while this name was still upon the lips that 
shouted it, Andrew, catching a glimpse of Vatha’s 
sinister face, read thereon the fluttering hope of 
power; saw a longed-for Kingdom slipping from 
his own grasp into the cruel hands of a fanatic 
tyrant ; felt the shudder of his country ; and, over- 
leaping the humiliation of the hour, subtly counted 
on the skilful management of future opportunities 
to redeem his yielding to compulsion now. In the 
same instant, lest some answering fire in Vatha’s 
eyes should make all efforts on his part too late, he 
sprang upon the prostrate cross, unsheathed his 
sword, and, extending it at arm’s length, cried : 

“Enough ! never while I live will I give up my 
birth-right! Ye have called me as your King; 
your conditions I accept ; lead on ! I’ll know no 
God but Hungary ; wherever she calls I will 
follow.” 

How different the answer of the younger 
brother ! But Andrew had no such monitor beside 
him as had Bela. 

A thundering cheer went up from all. Almos, 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


191 


released, sadly withdrew into his mountain retreat, 
and the royal cavalcade moved on to Stuhlweissen- 
burg. Carefully Vatha chose the line of march 
through such sections only as were favorable to the 
Pagans, thus impressing Andrew more and more 
with the powerful hold Paganism had obtained. 
The palace had been filled with guards and court- 
iers of the same convictions, and bands of fierce 
soldiery held the capitol in check. 

With one pretext or another, the call for a 
general assembly of the nobles of the whole country 
was put off ; while agents were secretly sent out to 
raise the Pagan portion of the country to arm 
against the Christians. Finally, pressing home 
his plans, Vatha urged Andrew to issue orders for 
the destruction of all churches and cathedrals in 
the Kingdom, thus to show himself, as one entitled 
to he the trusted King of a free people. It was on 
Christmas-eve that this conference took place. 
Andrew was alone with his powerful counsellor in 
an inner chamber of the palace. He vehemently 
protested against the cruel suggestion. — “Fever 
will I suffer snch a desecration in my Kingdom.” 

“Much more must thou suffer, if thou would’ st 
earn the approbation of thy people,” muttered the 
stern chieftain. “These dogs of priests resent the 
free talk and action of the nobles, and seek to stir 


192 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


the people to rebellion against all authority. They 
fill the streets with long processions of moaning 
men, women and children, who flaunt their candle- 
sticks and crosses in the faces of the honest sol- 
diery, inflaming them to rage and derision; and, 
unless some pressure is brought to bear against 
these antics, there will he no restraining of the 
soldiers. Tear out this festering thorn and let all 
know thy will !” 

“I think that it were well to reason with the 
priests.” 

“Reason ! — they have no reason ; and the 
quicker thou sendest them from the country, the 
better for thy safety. I tell thee, Andrew, I will 
no longer stand between thy half-hearted measures 
and the irate nobles; either thou must act or 
perish.” 

“Ha ! darest thou say ‘must’ unto thy King ?” 

“Thou art not yet the King !” thundered 
Yatha. “Thy crown — thy life, depends upon 
thine answer! Wilt thou give the order to me 
now ? Or shall I act without it, and leave thee to 
the mercy of my comrades ?” 

“O God, forgive me !” murmured Andrew ; 
then, starting to his feet, he said, “Do as thou 
desirest. — I have put my hand to the plow, and can 
not look back !” 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


193 


Yatha instantly departed; and ere midnight 
the terrible order had gone out o’er the land, “Des- 
truction to all Christian Churches. — By order of 
the King.” 

As the bells broke merrily upon the still night 
air, in token of the Christmas-day, the celebrant 
monks and sacristans were startled from their 
solemn joy by loud shouts and sound of tramping 
feet; and soon a mass of men were breaking into 
all the churches in Stuhlweissenburg. Resistance 
met with certain death. The altars were over- 
thrown and hacked to pieces, sacred vessels pur- 
loined, saintly relics scattered to the winds, and the 
torch applied to finish the dreadful work of devas- 
tation. Many a brave priest and Bishop was 
murdered while standing up against this desecra- 
tion, calling down anathemas upon the heads of the 
ferocious vandals. And sorrow — deepest sorrow 
filled the land that Christmas-morn, when it was 
known that this terrible trouble came upon them 
by order of the King. 

K or did it end there; the Pagans rushed over 
the land like a flood wherever they were strong 
enough to bear down opposition; and, in many 
places, a Christian’s life was in hourly peril, and a 
priest could find safety only in seclusion. 

The success of these violent measures was, 


194 


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however, overestimated by Vatha. He felt that 
additional strength could now be obtained by con- 
vening a national assembly, for the terror of the 
Pagan power in and about the capitol would pre- 
vent the coming of many Christian nobles; the 
voice of the nation would be with him and his 
cause; Andrew would be forced to receive the 
crown with the most solemn pledges, or else — who 
knows? Was not he, Yatha, the foremost man in 
Hungary? With such thoughts and dreams 
prompting all his actions, he persuaded Andrew 
to put forth the summons. 

About the middle of Winter, or perhaps in 
early Spring it was, before a sufficient number of 
lords and chieftains had assembled to make a na- 
tional showing. Yatha watched each new arrival 
nervously, trying to test by many a stratagem his 
standing upon the all-important question of re- 
ligion. This he found difficult to do to his satisfac- 
tion, for he could not be sure how much of their 
opinions they might deem it advisable to conceal. 

The day for the opening of deliberations had 
arrived, and Y atha had so placed his trusty men as 
to overawe, if possible, any chance opposition. 
The council chamber presented a scene likely to 
impress anyone with the seriousness of the occa- 
sion. In the chair of state sat Andrew, dignified, 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


195 


but sadly worn by the terrible trial bis feelings 
must have undergone during the winter. Immedi- 
ately surrounding him were many of the fierce 
spirits who had carried fire and sword, so recently, 
throughout the land, while many strong faces, 
young and old, here and there in the assembly, 
seemed so many isolated powers of unknown depth. 
When all were seated, the herald proclaimed 
silence, and Andrew, slowly rising, made the 
opening address. 

He reviewed the condition of affairs that had 
prevailed under the government of Peter and of 
Samuel Aba ; spoke of the action taken at Csanad, 
and thanked them graciously for the honor they 
had conferred upon him in recalling him from 
exile to become their King ; he had come prepared 
to serve his country to the best of his ability and to 
the extent of his power, he only desired to know 
what the lords and gentlemen assembled consid- 
ered necessary to the welfare of the country, and 
he would use every endeavor to enforce it. 

Then Yatha rose and spoke upon the subject 
nearest to his heart, and called on all who loved 
freedom to support the measures the King had 
already so ably put in operation. To this appeal 
loud response came from all parts of the hall. 


196 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


But one commanding figure rose in stern anger. 
It was the Lord of Presburg. 

He maintained that the interests of Hungary 
and Christianity were identical; that the vast 
majority of the nation were Christians, and would 
never give up their faith ; that what were the un- 
coerced feelings of most of those who had deposed 
Peter and extended the call to Andrew, was shown 
at Csanad, where such speeches as they had just 
listened to were hissed down at once. It was plain 
to he seen, by the absence of that sound to-day, that 
the reign of terror, through which they were now 
passing, had kept away many a noble, either from 
fear of death, or reluctance to support by their 
presence the apostate power that had convened this 
council. Here he bent his stern, accusing eyes on 
Andrew, whose face grew crimson under the r& 
buke ; then he continued : 

“I am here to protest against the coercive 
measures that have been adopted to restrain the 
assembling of a free and honest council, and to give 
fair warning that no King can hope to hold his 
power in Hungary under a Pagan standard.” 

He could go no further, for the noise of many 
voices which arose, some in encouragement, but 
most and fiercest in derision. Yatha called upon 
the King to test the temper of the council by a vote. 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


197 


This was done, and the greater portion of those 
present drew np on his side, leaving a small minor- 
ity upon the other. These latter, recognizing the 
inefficacy of further effort on the subject, ceased to 
oppose the Pagan party during the remainder of 
their deliberations ; and, in fact, having made their 
protest in the matter of greatest moment, they took 
occasion to quietly withdraw for the purpose of 
taking counsel with each other elsewhere. Yatha, 
triumphant, carried all before him, and the Diet 
ended with the official crowning of Andrew, under 
promise to rule the Kingdom in accordance with 
the spirit of the assembly. 

Andrew was now really King. The corona- 
tion was truly but a form, and still it was a form 
that carried enormous weight, as is shown by the 
history of other nations at that time. At any rate, 
it was to Andrew, like the possession of his star to 
a police-officer, or even more, like the “Open 
Sesame” to Ali Baba, for it was then that he began 
to formulate plans for the speedy overturning of 
the tables upon Vatha and his fellows. As chance 
would have it, too, Almos, brooding over the evil 
times that had fallen upon his country, saw often 
the unhappy scene again where Andrew was first 
entrapped. The sudden change that had come 
over Andrew had surprised and pained him then, 


198 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


but the more be thought it over, the more he be- 
came assured in his own mind that Andrew could 
not have yielded so suddenly, unless he had seen 
some chance before him in the future. 

Neither could he believe that all this evil which 
was accredited to Andrew could be laid at any 
other door than Vatha’s. And so a determination 
grew to seek out the King, and aid him, if he found 
that his surmises were correct. He arrived in 
Stuhlweissenburg upon the day of the coronation, 
and, falling in with one of the delegates who had 
withdrawn from the assembly, learned the distress- 
ing news; and also that the Christian nobles had 
agreed to meet at Presburg and appeal to the coun- 
try to unite in resisting this dreadful scourge. 

To this man Almos communicated his belief as 
to Andrew’s secret opinions, and advised a direct 
appeal to him, as their King. He lost no time in 
finding an opportunity to speak with Andrew pri- 
vately. He found him worn, and sad, and weary ; 
but a few words of sympathy, risked in brave trust 
of his true feelings, brought tears of gladness and 
relief to the King’s eyes. 

Such faithful help was all that Andrew needed. 
His plans were laid at once. Yatha was allowed 
to depart upon one of those hideous enterprises 
against his religious enemies, in which his soul de- 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


199 


lighted; a strong and devoted body-guard was 
quickly but quietly provided for the King; gold 
was used freely among the existing soldiery, where 
it would do most good; the palace and the town 
were well strengthened ; and the nobles, assembled 
at Presburg, who had acted upon the wise sugges- 
tion of Almos and had appealed to King Andrew 
secretly, were invited to come and bring with them 
to the capitol all the force they could secure. 

A decoy message was then sent to Vatha by a 
swift courier, under promise of great reward for 
its faithful delivery, and in case of its resulting 
successfully. In this message the King apprised 
V atha of the uprising of the people under the Lord 
of Presburg; stated that the feeling among the 
citizens of Stuhlweissenburg made him anxious for 
the immediate return of his powerful vassal, and 
begged him to hasten at once to his support. 

This message worked so well that within a day 
or two there galloped up to the city-gates a force of 
travel-stained cavalry, headed by Yatha. Under 
the secret instructions of the King the gates were 
opened for their entrance, and an apparently zeal- 
ous escort of the guard hurriedly led them to the 
palace. While Yatha, all unconscious of the strat- 
agem, sought the presence of the King, his follow- 
ers were divided, and led in broken detachments to 


200 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


different quarters of the town, where they were, 
severally, surrounded by overwhelming numbers of 
the King’s troops, disarmed and imprisoned, with 
such celerity as to leave them no opportunity of 
resistance. Y atha found his way into the presence 
chamber, where Andrew sat, attended by his new 
friends and courtiers. Still unsuspicious, he knelt 
to the King, exclaiming : 

“I am come, your Majesty, to lend my aid 
against the traitor-lord of Presburg.” 

A deep voice answered, “The Lord of Presburg 
is no traitor to his King.” 

Turning to where the speaker stood, Yatha 
recognized the fearless counsellor who had so dar- 
ingly defended his faith in the last Diet. Instant- 
ly he seemed to grasp the situation. One quick 
glance around showed him he had no friends. His 
violent persecution had made everyone there his 
hitter enemy, and into whatever face he looked, he 
saw nothing but intense hatred. Turning once 
more to the King, he said : 

“Thou hast done well to call me hither, that 
with mine own eyes I might see how faithful to his 
pledges a Christian King can he, and how like 
tigers the followers of the Cross can look when they 
have trapped their prey! Thou, an Hungarian 
King? — indeed! Would’ st see a gladiator strug- 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


201 


gle ’gainst wild beasts in this thy Roman Coli- 
seum \ Where is thy master, the German Caesar ? 
He should share this, so rare sport, with thee. 
Ah ! coward-fox, may thy friends and kinsmen talk 
as fair and he as faithful as thyself! Of thy 
Kingdom I wish thee joy. Thus do I do thee 
homage.” 

And now had Andrew’s life been forfeited to 
the frenzy of the Pagan, had not two stalwart 
guards quickly intercepted, with their lances, the 
murderous blow which he delivered with all his 
ferocious might. Foiled in this endeavor, he 
turned, and, with irresistible strokes of his sword, 
clove his way through the midst of the astounded 
people, to a private door, and, familiar with the 
palace, soon reached a by-street, down which he 
ran, pursued by an excited crowd of knights and 
soldiers; gained the city wall, and, taking advan- 
tage of a watch-tower there, climbed the narrow 
stairs, beat down the astonished sentry and ran out 
upon the battlements. 

For a moment only he hesitated; behind him 
were a furious mob and imprisonment or death; 
before him the wild, wooded plains and hills, lib- 
erty and, perchance, revenge. It was a fearful 
height. He shuddered ; once looked back to where 
the foremost of his pursuers were just emerging 


202 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


from the tower, and then, nerving himself, he care- 
fully chose a grassy spot, and sprang for it from 
the wall. Those who saw him leap looked on 
aghast, never expecting to see him rise again. But 
while they held their breath, he struggled to his 
feet, and, followed by a flight of arrows, speeded 
across the grassy plain and disappeared within the 
shadows of the nearest forest. A body of troopers 
started out at once to search for him, but the 
accomplished woodsman eluded them and reached, 
ere long, an encampment of his Pagan friends, 
worn and weary, but burning for vengeance on the 
King who had betrayed him. 

These years were trying ones for Andrew, but, 
inspired by the thought that he was now doing his 
full duty, and encouraged by the liberal and enthu- 
siastic support which poured in upon him from the 
surrounding country, particularly from the west, 
he had himself properly consecrated and re- 
crowned by the Primate of Hungary, organized 
strong and efficient armies, met and defeated the 
Pagans again and again, killed or captured all 
their leaders except Vatha, who, with his family, 
took refuge in the mountains of Transylvania, and, 
finally, was enabled to get complete and peaceful 
control of his Kingdom. Ho sooner, however, was 
this accomplished than ambassadors from the 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


203 


Emperor, Henry III., laid before him a demand 
that capital punishment should be inflicted upon 
all those implicated in the blinding of Peter ; that 
satisfactory apologies should be rendered to him- 
self for this cruel treatment of his suzerain; and 
that Andrew should acknowledge his supremacy as 
“Holy Roman Emperor.” 

To do this would be to give up all he had suf- 
fered for, and to degrade himself in the eyes of his 
own countrymen. Nor could he hope to hold a 
crown that had been torn from Peter’s brow for 
that same reason. He dismissed these ambassa- 
dors with the assurance that Peter’s cruel punish- 
ment was abhorrent to his feelings, and that his 
persecutors had been, and should be, summarily 
dealt with when found ; but that to acknowledge 
the supremacy of any other power was neither in 
accordance with his ideas of right, nor within his 
power to accomplish, for he owed his Kingdom to 
a people who would never abide such an act. 

Henry’s reply was that, if he did not choose or 
was afraid to grant a demand so reasonable, in 
accordance with past custom, and so necessary to 
the advancement of the Church, he, himself, would 
take the field with an army sufficient to conquer 
Hungary and compel him to his bidding. Nor 
was this an empty threat, for intelligence reached 


204 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


Andrew, before long, that troops were being 
massed at certain points upon the frontier in vast 
numbers. 

Tired out by the turbulence of his life since his 
return from peaceful and happy Kief, he had to 
prepare at once for a far more serious and danger- 
ous war, and he felt the burden sorely, so much so, 
that he suffered in health. The forecast was very 
gloomy, till, at his wife’s suggestion (she had come 
to him after his consecration), he bethought him 
of his dear brother, Bela, one who had proved him- 
self an able commander and wise counsellor. Could 
he secure his help, he felt all would be well, for so 
great was Bela’s reputation, that he knew to secure 
such a leader for the army would breathe new in- 
spiration throughout the land. He, the King, 
need not risk his life unnecessarily, and, indeed, he 
was too ill to stand the rigors of the camp continu- 
ously. So he sent for Bela. 


CHAPTER XV. 


T O THE brother, waiting, powerless to act, 
these two years were almost a purgatory. 
Like heavy clouds in the horizon, lay Hungary’s 
troubles. Ever and anon, fugitive priests brought 
the unhappy tidings. Wonder, doubt, dismay, 
attended on the rumors of his brother’s faithless- 
ness. He sympathized with him in his tempta- 
tion, pitied, and still loved him through it all. 
And, when the tables turned, he accepted with joy 
the result of Andrew’s stratagem, though he ques- 
tioned the justice of his actions. Then hope grew 
strong within his own heart, for he said, “Surely, 
my brother will not forget me.” 

Days and months rolled on, and still no word. 
His heart yearned and struggled with his pride. 


206 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


At such a tension were his feelings that he dared 
not talk upon the subject and drew away from all, 
silently brooding. Geyza, hopeful one moment, 
angry at his uncle’s silence the next, talked gayly 
or ferociously, as the fit took him ; while Edward 
sadly watched his friend’s unnerved melancholy; 
and Edith grew bright or warm, in sympathy with 
Geyza, for they had become the very best of 
friends. And still no word from Andrew. 

The road that led from Gnesen to Cracow was, 
at that time, lined with beautiful linden trees on 
either side from the gates out into the country 
many miles, and was a great favorite of all riding 
parties. On certain days of the week, during the 
Fall of 1048, it was the custom of the King to take 
an airing, surrounded by his attendant lords and 
ladies, along this beautiful avenue; and it was 
upon one of these occasions that Bela was per- 
suaded by his wife and the Lady Agatha to join 
the party, for he had kept in very closely of late, 
and they feared for his health. The children, of 
course, never missed such opportunities. 

It was a lovely day, for, though cloudy, the air 
was dry and bracing; the trees had been busy for 
some little time in putting on their glorious ap- 
parel, changing from deep green to bright scarlet, 
soft russet brown, blood-veined yellow and rich 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


207 


garnet. Nor had they neglected to do honor to the 
Queen, but had strewed liberally the shady road- 
way with their cloaks, like gallant Raleigh. 

To gallop at full speed against the cool, still 
air, with such a brilliant carpet beneath one’s feet, 
and under such a glorious arch-way, with spirited 
horses, bearing graceful knights and dames before, 
behind and at one’s side, — who would not enjoy it ? 
Surely, it must have been a delightful dream to 
Geyza and Edith, child of an exile each, each 
seventeen years of age. There are moments when 
all pull rein, and sprightly conversation follows; 
there are flashes of wit and merry peals of laugh- 
ter ; snatches of song ring out, and many a riddle is 
propounded. They sit so gracefully erect, so 
easily, unconscious of the saddle, for they were 
born to it eight hundred years ago. The King 
smiles kindly in answer to the questioning look in 
some youth’s eyes, — “On, gentlemen,” and all 
spring gladly forward into the long, vaulting 
canter so exhilarating and delightful. 

On one occasion, ere they started forward, 
Geyza bashfully claimed the privilege, for Edith 
and himself, from his Uncle Casimir and their 
parents, to lead the party on their next dash ahead. 
Excited by the freedom, they pushed on their 
horses somewhat faster than the others, and soon 


208 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


had distanced them considerably; how much, they 
could not tell, because of the dips and windings of 
the road. So, when they slacked up and listened 
for the others, they were surprised at the deep still- 
ness that surrounded them. The awful beauty of 
the dying season inspired them with strange feel- 
ings of nearness to each other. 

“Edith, how still it is ! how beautiful ! There 
seems to be none else in all the world but just our- 
selves. Would’ st thou be sad, Edith, if it were 
so?” 

“But, Geyza, it could not be so ; and if it were, 
thou would’ st have no great future to look forward 
to.” 

“Aye, Edith ; but it was not of the future I was 
thinking ; the future hath for me no charms in all 
its store so great as this supremely happy 
moment.” 

“Not even Hungary’s crown ?” 

“Not even Hungary’s crown could bring such 
joy to me, as doth thy presence, as doth one look 
into the glory of thine eyes, dear love !” and Geyza 
took the delicate white hand that hung so grace- 
fully by her side, holding the light whip, and so 
temptingly near ; and he would have raised it to his 
lips, but she quickly drew it from him, saying : 

“Fie, Geyza! Thou would’ st not have them 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


209 


see UB thus ? Hearest thou not the clatter of their 
horses’ hoofs ?” 

“I hear naught but the loud, quick beating of 
my heart.” 

“I fear that we are indiscreet; let us return.” 

“Thou would’ st not so cruelly desert this little 
world ? Look, Edith, the very leaves are dying to 
hear more.” 

“Are they not, rather, blushing at thy impu- 
dence, Sir Knight ?” But this time she allowed 
him to secure both hands, her cheeks rivalling the 
color of the loveliest leaves about them. He, 
happy youth, would have stayed thus to this 
day, perhaps; hut she, alarmed, cried suddenly, 
“Listen ! Geyza, surely, there is some one coming 
— and before us, not behind. I fear some evil 
may betide.” 

“Eear not, dearest, my lady; I will, with my 
life, defend thee !” and Geyza, hoping with all his 
youthful heart that this would he a chance where 
he could show his love and prowess for his fair 
lady, drew up in fierce attitude, with drawn sword, 
to await the coming of what sounded now like more 
than one horseman. 

There came into view, sweeping round a curve, 
an old, grey-haired, grey-bearded man in hunting 
costume with two or three companions, knights of 


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The Hungarian Exiles. 


foreign aspect, attended by a small body of light, 
Polish horse. Geyza’s attitude, in the middle of 
the road, brought them to a halt. Surprised and 
somewhat nettled, the captain of the Polish troop 
demanded angrily: 

“What means this blocking of the King’s 
highway V ’ 

Kot relishing the tone this officer assumed, 
Geyza would not recede from his position, but tak- 
ing advantage of the situation, answered boldly : 

“Because it is the King’s highway. His Maj- 
esty, attended by his court, is pleased to ride this 
way to-day.” 

“And art thou the King, youngster? and this 
fair maiden ? — forsooth, she is a beauteous court 
indeed.” 

This was too much for Geyza. He touched his 
horse, and, as it bounded forward, he rose in his 
seat, and would have struck the astonished trooper 
with his sword had not the aged man drawn his 
own horse quickly between them, and with a quiet 
upraising of his arm checked Geyza’s fury. 

“Thou hast a spirit, lad, which goeth well with 
thy face and figure, and thy face, indeed, is 
strangely like the one I seek ; perchance thou know- 
est if my worthy Prince Bela, the Hungarian, is 
with the King to-day ?” 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


211 


“My father ?” 

“Ah ! Thou art his son then ; this pleaseth me, 
indeed. Thou hast shown thyself worthy to bear 
his spirit, although somewhat rash. I pray thee, 
let us advance then, for I bring a message to thy 
father from his brother.” 

“A message! from mine uncle! What says 
he ? Let me take it to him. Good sir, I beg you, 
pardon my discourteous welcome; and, if it be 
good news, oh, let me hear it to my father !” 

“Here is the letter, child, wherein King 
Andrew asks his brother to come to him and share 
his joys, and, methinks, the burdens also, of his 
Kingdom. Dost thou think that he will come ?” 

“Think that he will come ? Hot all the world 
could hold him back! The letter, kind sir; give 
it me! Each moment lost is as a priceless pearl 
denied to my sad-hearted father !” 

“Go, then ! ’Tis fitting that his son should 
bring this joy to him.” 

Hot waiting to hear more, all on fire, and 
tingling with suppressed emotion, he, with Edith 
at his side, turned and spurred to meet the on-com- 
ing cavalcade. Careless of all court etiquette they 
dashed right through the midst of the bewildered 
riders, past the King and Queen, to the place where 
in the rear Edward and Bela were quietly com- 


212 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


miming as they rode along. Bela was the first to 
notice the unusual commotion, and when he 
descried Geyza galloping, heedless of the respect 
due to the King, and wildly waving a parchment in 
his hand, he exclaimed : 

“What can possess the boy ? What mad prank 
is lie playing ? And Edith, too ! What holds he 
in his hands V ’ 

“O father! father! ’Tis come! ’tis come!” 
And the wild boy leaped from his panting horse, 
and threw himself toward his father, sobbing and 
crying as he reached up the letter with trembling 
hand : “Mine uncle, — Hungary, has sent for thee, 
— my glorious father !” 

With wonderful tenderness Bela gazed into his 
son’s eyes, conscious of little else, for the moment, 
save the love he saw there. Mechanically he 
handed the letter to Edward, for his heart was too 
much in his eyes to read. Edward himself was so 
much agitated that he found it difficult at first to 
read. 

The letter ended thus : “We were companions 
in misfortune; let us now share the joys and 
splendor of a throne. I have no heir or brother 
but thee. Thou shalt be my successor in the gov- 
ernment. Come, then, dear brother ; come at 
once.” 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


213 


Entranced, Bela sat on his horse like some 
marble statue, in the world and yet not of it, 
shadow of the past, inheritance of the future, 
linked only to the present by the bands of love. 
Slowly, the ice, that seventeen years of patient 
waiting had formed about his heart’s desire, 
melted and gave way ; his tall frame quivered from 
head to foot, and his sad, beseeching eyes sought 
every loving face about him, as though the new- 
born hope that fluttered there scarce dared to fly. 
To the mute question, Edward, with tears stream- 
ing down his cheeks, and taking in his own, Bela’s 
other hand (Geyza had never ceased to cling to 
one), gave answer: 

“Yes, patient, faithful, noble friend, now noth- 
ing, nothing stops the way.” 

Gently Bela released his hands, and, stretching 
his arms wide open, leaned far forward in his seat, 
while choking with emotion he found utterance : 

“Nothing — keeps me — now ! Nothing — holds 
me back ! All, all the cruel, cruel bars and walls 
are down! O my country, my own dear home! 
Can I — can I really come to thee ? — Geyza, child,” 
and his swimming eyes looked round, “little 
Ladis, darling, — Gisela — Edward — why, my 
friends, I — I — am really — really going home ! 
Pardon me, dear loved ones — I — I scarce know 


214 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


what I say” (with a deep sigh). “I am so happy ! 
Oh, so happy !” And, laying his head upon the 
English exile’s shoulder, he sobbed for joy. 

’Twas but for a few moments only that he thus 
gave way. All his manly strength came back to 
him, filling his gigantic stature to its full height, 
as he sat upright, glorious in the kingly grace 
which perfect joy gives all men. 

He received the congratulations of them all, as 
they gathered round him, the King and Queen and 
all their company, for they all loved him; and, 
finally, Geyza bethought him of the grey-bearded 
stranger w T ho had modestly kept in the background, 
and brought him forward. Bela knew him at 
once. 

“Almos !” 

“Yes, my Prince, the last of thy countrymen 
to bid thee farewell, the first to bid thee welcome 
back.” 

“As I look at thee, kind friend, it seems as 
though the very mountains had come out to me, in 
all their steadfastness and grandeur. Your Maj- 
esty,” turning to the King, “this is the man of 
whom I have often spoken, to whom, as a fugitive, 
I fled long years ago. He kept me in his care for 
many days, and it was by his advice I sought this 
land and won the kind interest and protection of 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


2L5 


tliy father. King Casimir, I have served thee and 
thy country with all my strength and will for over 
sixteen years.” He paused and looked around 
upon his wife and children. “Poland, indeed, 
hath given me more, far more, than I can ever hope 
to repay. But she is now at peace, whilst Hung- 
ary — ; what sayest thou, Almos ?” 

“Her enemies are gathering in force upon her 
borders, her people are resolute and brave, hut the 
King is ill, and he cannot lead in battle ; he needs 
the strong help of his mighty brother, and he feels, 
as doth everyone, that all hope depends upon 
Prince Bela.” 

“Thou hearest, Brother Casimir; have I thy 
permission to depart ?” 

“Indeed, thou hast, and gladly would I send 
with thee a strong contingent, but it would ill com- 
port with the friendship which exists between our- 
selves and Germany. However, we will send thee 
forward with hearty cheer and wish thee all pros- 
perity in thine endeavors. Come, gentlemen, let 
us return to Gnesen, and make a joyful feast to 
celebrate the occasion, for howsoever sad we feel 
to contemplate the loss of our dear friend and 
brother, we will the more rejoice, for his sake, in 
giving him ‘God speed.’ And, Brother Bela, thou 


216 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


wilt spend a merry fortnight with us ere thou 
say’st farewell.” 

“Pardon me, 0 King ! if what I ask seem fool- 
ish or ungracious. My horse’s head is turned to- 
ward the south. I beg of thee permit me to go 
now, at once. My face is set, I cannot bear to 
turn. Grant me this boon, I pray thee. I am 
prepared sufficiently, much more, indeed, than was 
I when I left my country.” 

The King, astonished, sought to reason with 
him. 

“Surely it must not be said that Poland’s King 
neglected to grace the departure of Prince Bela 
with fitting ceremonies. We would give thee a 
bright, joyous feast, and show thee honor.” 

“Ko feast could he more joyous to me than the 
bright faces of these kind, sympathetic friends; 
nor could they more honor do me than, in recogni- 
tion of my strong desire, bid me farewell now and 
here — here where my message met me. O King, 
the oaken bow is bent to its full strength, the cord 
is loosed from the hand of fate, and the arrow must 
fly forward !” 

Catching the pathos of this strange desire, the 
Queen lent her entreaties to his cause, and, after 
much discussion by all parties, plans were adopted 
to coincide with this arrangement. Bela, with 


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217 


Geyza, started on at once, escorted by Almos and 
his Hungarians, leaving Ladislaus and the lady 
Gisela to come later under the protection of 
Edward, together with his wife and daughter, and 
to be accompanied also by a Polish escort, to the 
frontier, where Bela would await their coming. 
The pain of parting from the old grandam, Ryxa, 
had already taken place, she having died peace- 
fully the year before. 

There was also another figure which was al- 
most always forgotten upon great occasions, who 
yet managed to turn up and was never left behind. 
This was Hekla. He had been keeping in the 
back-ground until now, but no sooner had Geyza 
and his father really started, than, with much be- 
moaning that he should be obliged to leave his com- 
fortable quarters in Gnesen, he spurred on his 
sorry little nag, and clattered after them, causing 
both parties to draw rein and look to see whence 
came so great commotion. The laughter which 
this comical episode occasioned took off somewhat 
the sad edge of parting, and each company went its 
way in high spirits. 

That ride to Cracow through Poland — how 
shall I describe it ? That quiet central figure was 
always looking forward, never ready to stop and 
always eager to start at every stage of the journey ; 


218 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


speaking rarely, and then only to ask questions of 
Almos, who was ever at his side, and whose talk 
was always on the one absorbing subject. Geyza 
was an interested listener also, but his attention 
was more or less diverted by the incidents of 
travel, the strange faces met upon the road, the 
occasional starting of a fox or other animal, the 
quiet villages or busy towns passed through or tar- 
ried in for meals or rest at night, a gay wedding 
procession or, perchance, a funeral — all the many 
doings of an active, peaceful people, which drifted 
by Bela like the w T aters of a dreamy sea, parted by 
the sharp prow of his ship of fortune. 

Arrived at Cracow, nothing could persuade 
him to abide in the town. He must needs pitch his 
tent on the summit of the Kracusberg, where he 
could watch the distant snow-caps of the Carpathi- 
ans, no longer the cold barriers that shut him out, 
but the towering, castellated walls of his kingdom 
and his home. 

One day’s journey further brought them to the 
J ablunka Pass. At the strong castle which guard- 
ed this gate-way into Hungary he waited, accord- 
ing to agreement, for the arrival of Edward and 
his convoy. Much of his time he spent in climb- 
ing the heights about, and feasting his eyes upon 
the scene. Before him was spread out the lovely 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


219 


valley of the W aag. The foliage was mostly green 
as yet, upon this side of the mountains, but here 
and there a maple glowed, fiery-red, upon some dis- 
tant hill-side ; a town or two could be distinguished, 
and a few castles reared their massive towers above 
the tree-tops at different points along the river- 
bank, while the beautiful valley broadened and lost 
form in the misty, far horizon. 

The glad news of his arrival flew throughout 
the land. The lords and prelates in the vicinity 
hastened to bid him welcome to the home of his 
youth, and from Stuhlweissenburg came a magnif- 
icent troop of chosen knights, dispatched by 
Andrew as an honorary escort to conduct him to 
the capitol. At the same time arrived Edward 
with Ladislaus and the ladies, and after a day’s 
rest they all started forward. 

What is this picture upon which the early- 
morning sun shines in a golden blaze of glory ? A 
brilliant concourse of plume-crowned, armored 
horsemen; hundreds of shining lances, the road- 
side lined with enthusiastic, shouting peasantry in 
bright, holiday attire; and three central figures, 
the majestic father and his two stately sons. 

Look at them well, O Hungary ! as they come 
riding down to thee in all their beauty ! Guardian 
angels of thy glory and thine honor are they ; three 


220 


The Hungarian Exiles. 


immortal souls, aglow with the noble inspiration 
of pure patriotism, hearing thy future destiny in 
their hands. Invincible, indomitable, patient 
courage shines in every lineament of the father’s 
strong and rugged face, though the lips are quiver- 
ing and the eyes are swimming in answer to the 
glad shouts of his people. See, in the proud, clear 
eyes of the elder son, unselfish, generous justice; 
and, in the younger’s rapt countenance, pure 
wisdom. 

Coming to thee now, in thy hour of need, with 
strength to do, and power to conquer, and grace to 
rule ; loyal — every drop of their life’s blood, every 
breath they draw — to the true interests of a people 
whom they will never desert and who will never 
cease to love and cherish their dear memory! 
Coming to live with thee, to share thy joys and 
sorrows, to fight, to work, to hear injustice bravely, 
patiently; to rule honestly and carefully, as kings 
should rule ; and to act like true gentlemen, always, 
to the end of their days. 


FINIS. 









































